What is Voluntary Manslaughter in Michigan?
Michigan law does not clearly define what constitutes manslaughter. Rather, the state divides manslaughter charges into two separate categories: voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Which category a charge falls into depends on the severity of the surrounding factors.
Voluntary Manslaughter is an intentional homicide that does not include premeditation.
For example, the accused may have allegedly become “emotionally charged” and caused the death of the deceased in a fit of anger without a period of reflection for cooling off. There was intention in the moment, but the act was not pre-planned or committed after sober reflection.
What is Involuntary Manslaughter in Michigan?
Also called “criminally negligent manslaughter”, involuntary manslaughter is viewed as a lesser charge in comparison to voluntary manslaughter.
Involuntary Manslaughter is where the homicide was purely unintentional. In other words, a person was accidentally killed due to the reckless or careless actions of another person.
For help understanding how your manslaughter charge may be classified in Michigan, contact the Michigan manslaughter lawyers at Gentry Nalley today.
How Michigan Punishes Those Convicted of Manslaughter
Both voluntary or involuntary manslaughter charges in Michigan are punishable by a fine of up to $7,500 and not more than 15 years in prison, as stated in Michigan Penal Code 750.321. The specific sentence is determined by the court after weighing the factors of the case which will greatly affect the final outcome.
Gentry Nalley knows how to help our clients reduce their charges as much as possible. A key way we do this is to make sure they are well prepared for their day in court, thus producing the best possible outcome for their Michigan manslaughter case.
