Murder vs. Manslaughter
Although both murder and manslaughter describe the act of killing another person, the nuanced differences between the two are very important in a court of law. The primary distinction is that murder entails deliberately ending another person’s life, while manslaughter is generally an accident. Because of this difference, the two crimes are penalized very differently.
If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter, you deserve a criminal defense attorney who will represent you to the best of his or her abilities. For a San Jose criminal defense lawyer who is not afraid to fight for your rights, contact the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, LLP., at [phone-number] today.
Degrees of Murder
There are different degrees of murder, depending on the gravity of the crime and the circumstances in which it was committed. These degrees include:
- First degree – crimes of exceptional premeditation and/or cruelty
- Second degree – killing with malice and no respect for the law, but with no prior deliberation
- Felony murder – an accidental death that occurs during the commission of a felony
The difference between a conviction of first degree, second degree, or felony murder can rely on detailed evidence and subtle legal arguments.
Types of Manslaughter
Manslaughter is defined as taking someone’s life without previous planning. However, there are different types of manslaughter, in order to fully encompass the different levels of accidental death:
- Voluntary – close to murder in that there was intent to kill, but there was also provocation (crime in the heat of passion)
- Involuntary – death of another due to someone’s lack of care, which can occur during the commission of a non-felony crime or a legal but dangerous act
While manslaughter is often considered a less “serious” offense than murder, a conviction of this crime can still have long-term and highly negative consequences in a person’s life.
Contact Us
If you have charged with murder or type of manslaughter, you deserve a criminal defense lawyer who will work for your case. For more information, contact an experienced San Jose criminal lawyer from the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, LLP., at [phone-number] for a free initial consultation.
