Many people don’t take the time to realize how much the act of manslaughter affects the offender. Manslaughter can be either voluntary or involuntary, and in cases of the latter, the victim’s death is unintentional. In both cases, however, the victim’s death is not premeditated. Oftentimes, the offender is emotionally and psychologically stricken after committing such an act.
If you have been charged with manslaughter, then you deserve to have a qualified criminal defense lawyer on your side. The stressors surrounding a criminal charge and the entire legal process can have a profound impact on your mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. When you are charged with a crime, the support of a defense attorney can help you navigate an incredibly difficult phase of your life.
The Champaign manslaughter lawyers of Bruno Law Offices have dedicated their practice to helping people in situations like yours. We understand just how tough the road forward can be, and we are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Do I Need a Manslaughter Lawyer?
Manslaughter charges in Illinois are serious. If you are facing criminal charges, a lawyer is a non-judgemental source of support for you at this time. While you will have access to a free public defender, hiring a lawyer that you have chosen can give you a bit of control over a situation that is largely out of your hands.
Additionally, when you hire a defense attorney of your choosing, you can feel confident that they have the time and resources necessary to commit themselves fully to your case. An experienced defense team will listen to you, evaluate your situation, anticipate potential prosecutorial actions, and mount an effective defense to protect you.
Why Hire Bruno Law Offices to Handle My Case?
The lawyers at Bruno Law Offices have been working for the people of Illinois for almost four decades. This wealth of experience has allowed us to defend countless people’s rights when they face the life-changing consequences of criminal charges. When it comes to representing our clients we are diligent, tactful, and tenacious.
We always keep in mind the serious ways in which your life could be impacted by a conviction and as such, we see our role as being a source of support, knowledge, and advocacy for you and your family when you need it most.
Through our commitment to defending the rights of our clients, we have had cases dismissed, sentences reduced, and optimal settlements reached. Call us anytime to discuss your situation. We know you are under a tremendous amount of pressure and we are available to speak to you when you have concerns. At Bruno Law Offices we also offer free case evaluations so that you can understand how we can help you, cost-free.
Manslaughter Cases We Handle
If you or a loved one are facing manslaughter charges, you need to find an attorney that you trust. While the state of Illinois will assign you a public defender, hiring a lawyer of your choice can give you much-needed confidence as you approach your day in court.
When you are charged with manslaughter, Illinois prosecutors will fight to make sure that you face the harshest possible penalties. The following are potential consequences attached to a successful manslaughter conviction:
- Involuntary Manslaughter – This crime is considered a class 3 felony. If convicted, defendants could spend two to five years in prison and owe up to $25,000 in fines.
- Aggravated Involuntary Manslaughter – Classified as a class 2 felony, a conviction can carry three to seven years in prison, a fine of $25,000, and restitution costs.
- Voluntary Manslaughter – This crime is a class 1 felony and can be punished by any combination of penalties including four to fifteen years in prison, periodic imprisonment, probation, a $25,000 fine, and restitution expenses.
When you are charged with a crime, though you are legally considered innocent until proven guilty, between the prosecutorial claims and profoundly negative public perception, it may not always feel like it. Rest assured that our attorneys we are here to listen to you, learn about your situation, and advocate for the best possible legal outcome.
Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when another person is killed either as the result of criminal negligence or, unintentionally, while another crime is being carried out. For example, if you steal something from someone else and that person is struck by a car and killed while trying to chase you down, then you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter, on the other hand, is an intentional killing that was not premeditated. It occurs in the heat of the moment – for example, after becoming enraged at a certain situation.
Many states would classify the following scenario as voluntary manslaughter: If you kill your significant other right after finding out that he or she cheated on you, but had no plans to do so beforehand, then you have committed voluntary manslaughter.
However, in Illinois, a crime is only classified as voluntary manslaughter if the defendant has killed an unborn child. To be considered voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child rather than murder, one of two conditions must be met:
- At the commission of the crime, the offender was influenced by a serious provocation and in attempting to kill one person, the defendant either negligently or accidentally kills the unborn child.
- If the defendant intentionally kills an unborn child under the belief that their actions are justified.
If one of these two conditions are not met, then the crime may actually be considered murder in the state of Illinois. Manslaughter is considered to be a very serious crime that carries with it grave penalties. If you have been charged with manslaughter, then you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help protect your legal rights. Call the Urbana-Champaign manslaughter defense attorneys of Bruno Law Offices to get the legal help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are facing the life-changing consequences of a manslaughter conviction, the team at Bruno Law Offices understand just how uncertain you feel. Our team has been defending people in the Illinois community for years. Not only do we use our experience to fight for the best outcome, but we also use it to comfort you during what is an excessively difficult time. We know that when you are looking for a strong defense, you have questions. Check out some of our frequently asked questions, and reach out to us today at (217) 328-6000 to speak with a member of our team.
What is Restitution?
The penalties accompanying manslaughter convictions can include the payment of restitution. While fines are paid to the court as a form of punishment for committing a crime, restitution is the payment to victims. This payment is intended to compensate them for some of their losses.
What is Serious Provocation?
Serious provocation is a standard that is used to justify the defendant’s state of mind during the course of the crime. In the event that a victim provoked the defendant, the defendant’s headspace, attitude, and actions may have shifted, causing them to engage in behavior that they otherwise wouldn’t have engaged in. In acknowledging the presence of serious provocation, the court is not blaming the victim for their own suffering, rather explaining how the defendant’s actions don’t align with normal behavior.
What are Aggravating Factors?
If any aggravating factors are present, the charges for the existing crime could become even more consequential. The following are aggravating factors that could transform a class 3 felony, to a class 2 felony: reckless crime occurred in a school zone, the crime was committed in a construction zone, two or more lives were claimed, an officer was killed, or the crime was committed after a failure to follow an officer’s orders.
Contact Us
You need an experienced tenacious team, focused on fighting for your rights. If you have been charged with manslaughter, then you will need a capable and qualified criminal defense attorney to protect you. Contact the Champaign manslaughter lawyers of Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000 to learn more about how we can help you.