Understand What Manslaughter Charges Are and What to do About Them

Homicide charges in Michigan fall into separate categories, depending on the severity of the factors involved. Any type of homicide—including manslaughter—is a serious charge. You want seasoned and skilled legal representation to help you fight for your future.

Gentry Nalley offers clients proven effectiveness in the courtroom and the utmost sensitivity when navigating a homicide charge. With 40 years of combined experience in criminal and civil litigation, we are prepared to navigate the many complexities in any case involving a homicide charge. Our clients can expect attention to detail, unparalleled knowledge of the legal system and timely, conscientious communication from our law office throughout the duration of your case. If you find yourself accused of anything in this category, you can trust Gentry Nalley.

Manslaughter Charges in Michigan

Michigan Law defines Manslaughter and provides for two categories of severity in:

  • Voluntary Manslaughter is defined as an intentional homicide that does not include premeditation. For example, the accused may have allegedly become “emotionally charged” and in a fit of anger, caused the death of the deceased “in the heat of the moment,” without a period of reflection for cooling off. There was intention in the moment, but the act was not preplanned or committed after sober reflection.
  • Involuntary Manslaughter is a lesser charge, where the homicide in question was purely unintentional, most often due to criminal negligence.

Either charge of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter is punishable by a fine and not more than 15 years in prison. The specific sentence is determined by the court after weighing the factors of the case.
Similar to second degree murder charges, manslaughter charges are greatly affected by the factors and circumstances involved in the case. Often, more serious charges are considered, and sometimes reduced to a form of manslaughter.
Gentry Nalley knows what it takes to ensure our clients are always well prepared for their day in court and can trust they have a skilled defense team with extensive trial experience on their side.

Superior Investigation and Legal Defense

Gentry Nalley leverages all resources available to conduct a superior investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case. Our team not only carefully combs through the prosecution’s case, but we also utilize in-house investigators and engage some of the top experts in the U.S. and the world in order to provide the best defense possible for our clients.

Our clients trust us not only because we’re one of the most experienced criminal defense law firms in Michigan, but also because we offer access to an unparalleled level of support for their defense.

We’ll also employ adept listening skills all along the way and offer easy access for you to check the status of your case, so you never have to wonder where you are in the process.

“Ms. Nalley stood up to the prosecution’s pressure to enter into a plea agreement and was able to secure a dismissal in my case. Without qualification, I highly recommend Ms. Nalley as your defense attorney in any criminal matter; she is knowledgeable, prepared and disarmingly pleasant while being a true advocate ready to go to trial when you need it!”

– David Parrott

Facing Manslaughter Charges in Michigan

When you are facing manslaughter charges in Michigan, it is never in your best interest to discuss the case with anyone but your legal representation.

If you are accused of manslaughter in Michigan, until you have an appointment with us, follow these recommendations to protect your rights and your future:

  1. Do not talk to anyone without your attorney present. Be polite and cooperative, but do not answer any questions or agree to any deals. All you need to say is, “I would like to see my attorney.”
  2. Do not share details of the case with anyone, verbally or in writing or electronically, including family or loved ones.
  3. Do not consent to anything without the advice of an attorney. This includes searches, DNA samples or other tests.
  4. Do not resist arrest. Never struggle or attempt to escape the police. Comply willingly and inform them at the earliest possible moment that you require an attorney be present before you will answer any questions.
  5. Only provide the following information to law enforcement officials: your name, address, contact information, fingerprints, and the name of your attorney.
  6. Get an attorney as quickly as possible. Contact us at Gentry Nalley as soon as you are granted access to a phone. If you must call a family member, do not share anything with them about the case; have them contact us right away.

Contact Our Attorneys Today

If you’re facing Michigan manslaughter charges, contact our law office today. Contact us by calling (517) 552-4092 or use our contact form.

Get the Legal Help You Need From Experienced Attorneys

Contact our Michigan criminal defense attorneys today for a free consultation. Use our contact form or call (517) 552-4092.