Although voluntary manslaughter charges may appear less serious than murder charges, they can still lead to jail time, a criminal record, and other serious consequences. If you're accused of committing voluntary manslaughter, contact a criminal law attorney. They'll offer you the quality legal advice and support you need to obtain a favorable outcome.
Here are four key reasons to contact these lawyers when charged with voluntary manslaughter.
They Understand the Law
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another individual without premeditation or intent. The laws surrounding this offense are challenging to understand and can be difficult to navigate. If you don't understand them, your accuser could use this to their advantage. This is why it's vital to work with a criminal law attorney. These lawyers understand the nuances of voluntary manslaughter laws and can use them to defend your interests. For example, they may argue that the killing was necessary to protect you or another individual who was in imminent danger. They may also argue that you acted in the "heat of passion" and couldn't form intent or premeditation.
They're Experienced in Negotiating Plea Deals
If you are facing voluntary manslaughter charges, you can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. This can be beneficial because it may result in a lesser charge or reduced sentencing. Unfortunately, negotiating a plea deal can be difficult without legal representation. criminal law attorneys are experienced in negotiating plea deals and can offer you valuable assistance during the process. They'll review the evidence against you, look for any mitigating circumstances, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Using the information they've obtained, they'll negotiate an agreement that's in your best interest with the prosecution. At the end of the bargain, you may get a more lenient sentence, such as probation or community service, instead of a long prison term.
They Can Build a Strong Defense Strategy
If you want the voluntary manslaughter charges against you to be dismissed, you should have a solid defense strategy. Preparing such a strategy requires a knowledge of the law and access to legal resources. Criminal law attorneys have the skills and resources required to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case. They'll look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case and determine if your rights were violated during the arrest or investigation. The information they've gathered will enable them to know the exact defense to use to win your case. For example, if you committed the crime in self-defense or were not in your right state of mind when it happened, they'll use this argument to prove that the voluntary manslaughter charges shouldn't be applied against you.
If you've been charged with voluntary manslaughter, contacting a qualified criminal lawyer is important. These legal professionals will fight for your rights and work to get you the best outcome.
Reach out to a criminal law attorney in your area to learn more.