What Is the Definition of Manslaughter in Florida?
Manslaughter is defined as an unlawful killing of a human being without malice and is categorized as either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion while involuntary manslaughter occurs during the commission of a lawful act not amounting to a felony, or in the commission of a lawful act, in an unlawful manner or without due caution, that could cause death.
Unlike murder, manslaughter is a type of homicide that lacks intention, therefore it is treated as less severe than murder. Nonetheless, the legal penalties upon a conviction for manslaughter can be equally as devastating as those for murder. Thus, if you are accused of manslaughter, you should quickly retain a proven Orlando manslaughter lawyer to defend your freedom. Attorney Carrie Rentz is a former prosecutor with 15 years of legal experience who obtains the competence and powerhouse advocacy that your future relies upon. With this in mind, we encourage you to begin your violent crime defense right away.
Discuss your Orlando Manslaughter Case by contacting us at 407-904-7376! We proudly serve clients in Orange County and Seminole County.
Types of Manslaughter Charges in Florida
Manslaughter - This crime is a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum of 15 years behind bars and up to $10,000 fines. Manslaughter can occur in three different ways:
- Manslaughter by act (voluntary manslaughter): Committing a voluntary, unjustifiable act that resulted in the death of another.
- Manslaughter by procurement: Persuading or otherwise causing someone else to commit an act that resulted in another person’s death.
- Manslaughter by culpable negligence (involuntary manslaughter): A course of conduct that shows a careless, reckless, or deliberate disregard for human life or for the safety of those who are exposed to its dangerous effects.
Vehicular Homicide - The killing of a human being or an unborn child by any injury to the mother, caused by the operation of a motor vehicle by another in a reckless manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another. Vehicular homicide is punishable as either a first or second-degree felony. However, if the prosecution can prove the following, then you may suffer a first-degree felony charge:
- At the time of the accident, the person knew or should have known, that the accident occurred
- The person failed to give information and render aid
What Is Aggravated Manslaughter?
Aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person or disabled adult: This occurs when a person causes the death of an elderly person or disabled adult by culpable negligence. This is a first-degree felony offense punishable by 30 years in prison and/or $10,000 fines.
For context, "elderly person" means an individual who is 60 years of age or older, and "disabled individual” means a person who is 18 or older who suffers from a condition of physical or mental incapacitation due to a developmental disability, organic brain damage, or mental illness, or who has one or more physical or mental limitations that restrict the person’s ability to perform the normal activities of daily living.
Aggravated manslaughter of a child: A person commits this first-degree felony offense if they cause the death of any person under 18 years old by culpable negligence.
Aggravated manslaughter of an officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic: This crime is a first-degree felony that occurs when a person causes the death of an officer, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, through culpable negligence, while they are performing their professional duties.
Possible Manslaughter Defenses Serving Orange County & Seminole County
While manslaughter charges are extremely serious and not treated lightly in Florida, there is hope. Our Orlando manslaughter attorney can thoroughly analyze every detail of your case, criminal history, and other relevant factors to determine the best course of action for your defense strategy. We will leverage our prosecutorial insights to formulate defenses in anticipation of the prosecution’s anticipated attacks to best prepare you for all possible scenarios in the courtroom.
In the meantime, you could benefit from learning about the common defenses against manslaughter charges below. Depending on the facts of your case, our lawyer may employ one of the following defenses on your behalf:
- Self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property
- Accident
- Police misconduct
- Insufficient evidence
- False accusations
- You didn’t do it
- Insanity
Are You Facing Manslaughter Charges in Orlando?
Ready to begin your fight for freedom? So are we. Get in touch with our Orlando Manslaughter Lawyers online or by calling 407-904-7376! We proudly defend clients in Orange County and Seminole County.