What’s the Difference Between Manslaughter and Homicide?

Criminal law is complex and multifaceted, and the nuances of legal terminology often blur the lines between various offenses. Two terms that frequently find themselves in the spotlight are “manslaughter” and “homicide.” While they both involve taking a human life, they carry distinct legal connotations. Manslaughter typically involves the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or intent. In contrast, homicide encompasses all forms of unlawfully taking a life, including both murder and non-criminal homicides.

When facing legal challenges that involve charges of manslaughter, homicide, or any other complex criminal matter, expert legal guidance is paramount. At Bernal Law, Mr. Bernal’s background as a former prosecutor, combined with his commitment to providing top-notch legal representation, positions our firm as a trusted ally in navigating the intricacies of the legal system. Contact Bernal Law today for a consultation and discover how we can provide the support and counsel you need to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

MANSLAUGHTER VS. HOMICIDE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

In criminal law, the terms “manslaughter” and “homicide” are frequently used, but they carry distinct legal meanings and implications. It’s important to understand the difference between the two to navigate the intricacies of criminal justice. 

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is a criminal offense that involves the unlawful killing of another person. It is distinct from murder, primarily in terms of intent and circumstances. Manslaughter typically falls into two categories:

• Voluntary Manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another without premeditated intent to kill. Instead, it often results from a sudden emotional response, such as rage or fear. In some jurisdictions, this is sometimes referred to as a “heat of the moment” crime. An example might be a situation where a person discovers their spouse in the act of adultery and reacts with a deadly assault.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter is the accidental killing of another person without intent. It is typically the result of recklessness, negligence, or criminal negligence. This can include actions like driving recklessly and causing a fatal accident, providing drugs that lead to an unintentional overdose, or failing to exercise proper care while handling a dangerous weapon.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in criminal law, as they influence the charges, legal defenses, and potential penalties in cases involving loss of life. 

What Are Penalties for Manslaughter?

Penalties for manslaughter can vary depending on the severity of the charges and whether or not someone is a repeat offender. Voluntary manslaughter is more likely to result in severe consequences than involuntary manslaughter. Manslaughter penalties may include the following:

• Jail time
• Probation
• Fines
• License suspension
• Other impacts on life and rights

If you need more information about manslaughter, including the differences between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, as it applies to your circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact Bernal Law. We are happy to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction for your legal needs.

Homicide

Homicide, on the other hand, is a broader and more encompassing term that encapsulates the unlawful killing of another person. While all murders are homicides, not all homicides are murders. Homicide is divided into two main categories:

• Murder: Murder is a form of homicide characterized by the presence of malice aforethought or premeditation. It is the intentional killing of another person with the purpose of causing death or serious bodily harm. Murder charges are generally categorized into first-degree and second-degree murder, with first-degree murder typically involving premeditation and a deliberate intent to kill.
• Non-Criminal Homicide: Not all homicides result in criminal charges. Some homicides are deemed justifiable or excusable, such as cases of self-defense, defense of others, or law enforcement using deadly force in specific circumstances. 

When facing charges of either manslaughter or homicide, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Their experience and resources are your best chance at a successful outcome that protects your rights and best interests. 

What Are Penalties for Homicide?

Penalties for homicide can vary, whether it’s non-criminal or classified as third, second, or first-degree murder. However, they are most likely to involve the following, depending on levels of severity and whether someone is a repeat offender:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• Loss of the right to firearms
• Other impacts on life and rights

If you have been charged with homicide and want support in reducing the severity of your charges and consequences, please get in touch with a lawyer from Bernal Law. We can support you in many ways throughout the legal process, including explaining the extent of potential penalties and your conviction.

What Should You Do After Charges for Manslaughter or Homicide?

Following charges for manslaughter or homicide, you may not know what steps to take next. If you face legal matters because of charges for a crime, the following suggestions might be an invaluable addition to your legal strategies:

Stay Off Social Media

We suggest you deactivate and log out of all social media and online accounts you have, as anything you share online can be used against you during legal matters. Even if they don’t feel related to your case, comments, photos, videos, and other kinds of content can all be accessed and put you in a potentially harmful light. This may even be the case if you have privacy settings enabled, as you are required to share information upon request from certain personnel.

Avoid Discussing Your Legal Matters With Others

While you may want to discuss legal issues with others, such as friends and family, this is not worth the temporary comfort you might find. Any information you share with anyone can be used against you, so we only suggest speaking about your case with your lawyer. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can guarantee higher levels of privacy and confidentiality than others, so we encourage you to only share information with your attorney.

Organize Any Evidence You Have

If you have access to any evidence relating to your case, including documents or communications that give you an alibi, make sure it is easily accessible and organized. This will make it much easier to analyze when you are in contact with a qualified attorney. If there is evidence you don’t have, your lawyer can collect additional information on your behalf during investigations.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

We encourage you to contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer quickly, as this will make it much easier to receive fair results following your case. This will ensure your lawyer has enough time to dedicate to your case and mitigate the risk of any mistakes you might make through self-representation.

Closely Follow Your Attorney’s Recommendations 

When you retain legal support from a criminal defense lawyer, it’s important to follow their recommendations and suggestions as closely as you possibly can. This will help ensure you avoid unnecessary mistakes and improve the outcome of your case. Tailored recommendations and strategies for your needs can improve your odds of success dramatically.

Please get in touch with an attorney from Bernal Law as soon as possible to boost your odds of legal success during these complex matters. We can come up with recommendations for the next steps tailored to your specific circumstances and needs, including practical ways that can reduce the severity of penalties.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Support You?

A criminal defense lawyer can support you in numerous ways, including during cases for voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, murder, and non-criminal homicide. An attorney from Bernal Law can provide valuable aid and support during challenging matters, including but not limited to the following:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Helping formulate a plea
• Investigating the prosecutor’s case
• Evaluating potential sentences
• Reviewing search and seizure procedures
• Conducting an independent investigation into the accident
• Negotiating with every party
• Preparing your case for court
• Collecting and analyzing evidence
• Consulting with experts
• Assuring that all documents are filed correctly and in a timely manner
• Reducing stress related to handling legal matters

We encourage you to work with an attorney instead of representing yourself during legal matters. While retaining legal support is not a necessity, you are far more likely to receive positive results when you work with a qualified attorney. Self-representation often results in worse consequences than necessary, lengthier litigation, and undue stress. However, working with a lawyer from Bernal Law is much more likely to result in reduced penalties, lowered stress, and decreased litigation time.

FACING MANSLAUGHTER OR HOMICIDE CHARGES? CONTACT BERNAL LAW TODAY

Understanding the distinction between manslaughter and homicide is crucial in criminal law. When facing charges related to manslaughter, homicide, or any intricate criminal matter, having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney by your side is paramount. At Bernal Law, our founder’s background as a former prosecutor, his fluency in both English and Spanish, and his extensive experience in prosecuting complex white-collar crimes, fraud cases, and major federal offenses uniquely position our firm to provide exceptional legal representation. 

Attorney Pedro Bernal leads the charge for excellent representation and advocating for client rights, and he can do the same for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Let Bernal Law be your trusted ally, ensuring that your rights are protected, and you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Your future deserves the attention of a dedicated professional, and we are here to stand with you every step of the way. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at (619) 736-9092.