Fort Lauderdale Manslaughter Attorney

Defense for Manslaughter Charges in Broward County

Manslaughter charges are used when an individual died due to the actions of another person, and the actions causing the death were not planned. If the killing was accidental and the incident did not include any malice aforethought, it would not be considered murder - which must show intent.

Incidents that can result in manslaughter charges can include car accidents, altercations or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Regardless, persons accused of manslaughter must retain criminal defense right away.

Discuss your case with Fort Lauderdale manslaughter attorneys from Hager & Schwartz, P.A. today!

What is Manslaughter in Florida?

In the state of Florida, manslaughter is defined as the killing of another human being without premeditation or intent to harm. It is generally separated into two categories: manslaughter by act, which involves directly causing a death, and manslaughter by culpable negligence, which involves recklessly causing a death through actions or omissions.

The consequences for manslaughter can vary depending on the circumstances, but possible penalties include fines and prison sentences ranging from nine years to life in prison. It should be noted that manslaughter charges can also lead to civil lawsuits from the victim's family seeking damages for their loss. Overall, manslaughter is considered a serious crime with significant legal consequences.

Two Types of Manslaughter: Voluntary & Involuntary Charges

There are two types of manslaughter charges, each with different possible penalties, if convicted:

Voluntary Manslaughter: This is “manslaughter by act." This type of manslaughter is the charge when the incident occurs in the "heat of passion." In many cases, these incidents are provoked or may have been instigated by the victim, but the intent to cause serious bodily harm is usually what results in the accidental killing. Even in some instances of self-defense, if the victim used unreasonable lethal force, they may be charged with voluntary manslaughter, or if the killing was a result of a mental defect and/or illness.

Involuntary Manslaughter: Also known as “culpable negligence." This type of manslaughter is usually the charge when the incident is unintentional. This may also be the charge if a homicide occurs during the commission of a misdemeanor offense when the actions taken during the misdemeanor were likely to have caused harm. This type of offense is usually split into two categories: constructive manslaughter and criminally negligent manslaughter.

Fort Lauderdale Constructive Manslaughter Cases

There is also something called constructive manslaughter. This occurs when someone kills another in the course of committing an unlawful act. There is no intent to have killed, but intentionally committing an unlawful act is what the person will be faulted for when taking "malice" into account. If you have been charged with a constructive manslaughter in Fort Lauderdale, contact our attorneys today!

Criminally Negligent Cases in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Criminally negligent manslaughter is a type of offense can be used to define a homicide that occurred due to severe recklessness and /or negligent behavior. This means that a person must have a duty to act in the interest in the victim, but doesn't, however—for example, professionals like doctors and civil servants have a duty to maintain safety. Whatever type of manslaughter offense you might be facing, we are prepared to help.

Contact us for more information. Our Fort Lauderdale manslaughter attorneys represent clients throughout Broward County and South Florida.