Olathe Manslaughter Defense Lawyer

Manslaughter Cases in Johnson County

Manslaughter involves the killing of an individual in a manner considered less culpable than murder.  The distinction between the two, and the differentiation between levels of criminal culpability, is usually based on the state of mind of the perpetrator.  There are two distinct categories of manslaughter, and these include:

• Voluntary manslaughter - This involves a situation where the offender has an intent to cause death or serious injury, but their liability is reduced by the circumstances surrounding the incident or their state of mind at the time.  One of the more common examples is a "heat of passion" killing, such as witnessing an attack on an innocent person and responding with force which causes death.
• Involuntary Manslaughter - A situation where there is no intent to kill or seriously injure, but death results due to reckless disregard for human life or an act of extreme negligence.  A common example of this is the death of a motorist in an accident due to driving while intoxicated.

The penalties for manslaughter can be steep (especially if drugs or alcohol are involved) and can include substantial prison time if convicted.  If you have been charged with manslaughter, it is important you contact an Olathe criminal defense Lawyer who can protect your rights and provide you with qualified legal representation.

Have you been charged with manslaughter?

The legal ramifications of being charged with manslaughter can affect you long into the future, or even for the remainder of your life.  Depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, you could have a felony mark on your criminal record which could cause you difficulty in trying to obtain a job or buy a car or home.  I am John E. Harvell, P.A., and I am an experienced criminal defense Lawyer serving Olathe and Johnson County.  If you have been charged with manslaughter, call me today, and my law firm can provide you with aggressive legal assistance in your case which will increase the likelihood of an outcome that is favorable to you.