Manslaughter Defense
Practice Areas
South Carolina Manslaughter Defense Attorney
Receiving criminal charges for violent crimes such as manslaughter in Greenville, SC can result in decades in prison. This is especially true if you have a prior criminal conviction. That is why you need an experienced South Carolina attorney like AnneMarie Odom on your side. AnneMarie Odom has extensive knowledge and experience in handling all sorts of criminal matters while protecting her clients’ legal rights along the way. As a sought-after Greenville criminal defense attorney, she will vigorously fight for you in court and work to obtain a positive outcome for your case. Contact AnneMarie Odom Law at 864-775-5833 today for a private consultation regarding your South Carolina manslaughter case.
What is Manslaughter?
According to South Carolina law (SC Code Section 16-3-50), manslaughter is the illegal killing of a person without malice aforethought. There are two types of manslaughter: involuntary and voluntary.
Involuntary Manslaughter Definition
Involuntary manslaughter is defined as either: 1) the unintentional killing of another without malice, but while engaged in an unlawful activity not naturally tending to cause death or great bodily harm; or 2) the unintentional killing of another without malice, while engaged in lawful activity with reckless disregard for the safety of others. The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is five years.
Voluntary Manslaughter Definition
Voluntary Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a person in the sudden heat of passion upon sufficient legal provocation. Prosecutors must prove both heat of passion and sufficient legal provocation to be present at the time of the killing. Voluntary manslaughter carries a minimum penalty of two years and a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison.
What Does Malice Aforethought Mean?
Many people use premeditation and malice aforethought interchangeably. However, these terms are very different, especially when it comes to the criminal justice process. Malice aforethought means that a person intended to kill the victim, seriously injure the victim, or commit a major criminal offense, even knowing that it might cause death. Malice aforethought also entails a general neglect for human life. Premeditation, on the other hand, means that someone spent days or weeks planning a violent crime before they actually committed it.
Can You Receive the Death Penalty for Manslaughter in South Carolina?
Suspects convicted and charged for manslaughter will not receive capital punishment, according to South Carolina law. Generally, death penalty cases only involve people convicted and charged with the crime of murder.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer from AnneMarie Odom Law in Greenville, SC will ensure that a person accused of manslaughter receives due process in the courtroom.
Involuntary Manslaughter Sentence in South Carolina
Involuntary manslaughter is a Class F felony. According to South Carolina law, a person who commits this crime will be punished with no more than 5 years in prison.
Voluntary Manslaughter Sentence in South Carolina
Under state law, voluntary manslaughter is a Class A felony. This means those convicted may spend anywhere from 2 to 30 years behind bars.
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested For Manslaughter?
If police officers show up at the door to arrest you, your first reaction may be to panic, ask questions, try to defend yourself, or even fight back. Whatever you do, do not do any of those things.
The first thing you should do if you are arrested for any criminal case is to take advantage of your Miranda Rights and remain silent. We know that an arrest is scary and confusing and your first instinct is to want to defend yourself. However, it is important that you let the Greenville, SC criminal lawyers at AnneMarie Odom Law do all the talking for you later. Many suspects don’t realize that they have the right to stay silent until they have spoken with their legal defense. Be sure to take advantage of all your rights during the arrest and interrogation process. Your freedom may depend on it.
Greenville Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges for manslaughter or any other violent crime, you need a successful Greenville criminal defense attorney. At AnneMarie Odom Law, we use our extensive knowledge of criminal law and relationships with all of the sides involved to fight for a positive outcome in every case. You can trust AnneMarie Odom Law to handle all of your criminal defense needs. Call us today at 864-775-5833 or complete our online intake form to discuss your situation further.
At AnneMarie Odom Law, we are prepared to help you or your loved one plan a successful manslaughter defense strategy. Call (864) 775-5833 today to schedule a free consultation to go over your legal options, or simply fill out our online intake form to get started.
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