California brings homicide charges in cases where there is evidence that one person is directly responsible for someone else dying. Murder is the best-known homicide charge. Murder is a felony offense that involves the intent to end another person’s life, possibly after significant planning and premeditation.
The state can also pursue manslaughter charges against people accused of causing someone else’s death. Understanding the three main types of manslaughter allegations can help those implicated in a tragedy determine their best course of action.
1. Vehicular manslaughter
When one person unintentionally causes the death of another through illegal or unsafe behavior in a motor vehicle, prosecutors may pursue a vehicular manslaughter charge. Reckless driving, excessive speeding and drunk driving can all lead to this charge.
2. Involuntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter is a charge brought in cases where a person did not intend to kill someone else. Instead, they engaged in criminal negligence or obviously careless behavior. When unsafe or illegal behavior leads to someone dying unintentionally, an involuntary manslaughter charge is likely.
3. Voluntary manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional homicide that occurs during a quarrel or due to intense emotional reactions. The state takes into consideration that other people may have responded similarly to the same provocation and pursues a voluntary manslaughter charge instead of a murder charge.
Both involuntary and voluntary manslaughter are felony offenses, although they carry lesser penalties than a murder charge. Vehicular manslaughter is a “wobbler” offense, which means it can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Working with an experienced attorney is critical when facing homicide charges, including California manslaughter charges.
