It’s not every day that you’re charged with a crime. So when it comes to manslaughter, it’s an accusation that needs to be met with urgent action and expert guidance.
Manslaughter is a very serious accusation and if charged with a crime, then this could lead to a conviction. That conviction could be a life term.
Seeking legal advice or representation is essential. If you’re accused of manslaughter, here’s everything you need to know and why you should call a defence solicitor immediately.
Being accused of manslaughter is often assumed that it just means to kill someone. However, with manslaughter, its definition is specific and different to murder.
It’s an unlawful killing without the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. The suspect, as a result, is charged with manslaughter and not murder. All other elements of the offence are the same as murder, bar the intent.
Manslaughter falls into two broad categories; involuntary and voluntary. Let’s break these down:
Involuntary manslaughter is unlawful killing without the intent to kill or cause serious harm. This is a common offence and has two classes; unlawful act manslaughter and manslaughter by gross negligence.
Voluntary manslaughter is committed when one person unlawfully kills another whereby there’s a partial defence. This could be diminished responsibility, loss of control and killing as part of a suicide pact.
In its broad definition, safeguarding means to protect your right to live in safety, free from neglect or abuse. When you’re accused of manslaughter, you’ll be questioned upon your arrest. Having a solicitor to guide or represent you, is crucial to put these safeguards in place.
When accusations of manslaughter are presented to you, it’s important that you don’t self-incriminate. You’re going to be put into an interview room and likely questioned for hours on end. The interviewers will be trained in questioning suspects, whereas you will likely have no experience or very little.
You, therefore, have the right to not answer the questions presented to you. The right to refuse can be helpful if you’re in a situation where you don’t want to say anything that could be used against you, especially where lack of evidence is concerned.
Solicitors play a pivotal role in safeguarding your legal rights, so when you need someone to call in this situation, you should call ABV Solicitors right away.
Creating a robust defence strategy is key in order to help prevent the worst from happening and that’s a conviction. What are your options when it comes to an accusation of manslaughter? If charged for the crime, what does that mean for your case in a court of law?
Diminished responsibility is where the individual has an unbalanced mental state. It makes them less answerable to the crime and can be grounds for a reduced charge. This might be applicable for your case but it wouldn’t mean that you’re classified as being insane.
Loss of control is when the defendant has been killed as a result of a qualifying trigger. It’s not enough that the defendant just shows they lost self-control. They need to have been provoked by a qualifying trigger.
A person that acted in pursuance of a suicide pact between themselves and another, killing that other person or being a third party to the death of that person, is guilty of manslaughter and not murder.
Solicitors play an integral role in navigating the complexities of manslaughter charges. Legal representation is extremely important in helping you navigate such a serious accusation that may end up turning into a charge and a conviction.
With solicitors, you get to step back somewhat and have us liaise with the law. It can be challenging to cope with the situation you’ve been put in, let alone having to deal with the police and the law in general.
Liaising between you and the law is going to take some of the pressure and stress that is felt when accused of manslaughter. It can also be helpful when you’re dealing with individuals who aren’t always the most pleasant to interact with.
Legal jargon is part and parcel of the law and it’s something that can be really difficult to navigate. When you have a solicitor on your side, all of the legal jargon can be unpacked and simplified.
When the legal jargon becomes understandable, it’s easier to manage – even though it’s still confusing at the best of times.
As solicitors, they’re the safeguards of your rights. To avoid injustices occurring within a court of law, or by organisations like the police, a solicitor will ensure that no one or nothing is overstepping the mark. Your rights should be protected at all costs and that means taking your legal representation seriously.
It’s worthwhile knowing your rights so that you can understand what you are entitled to, although we can help with that.
Whether you’re guilty or not, you’re presumed innocent, as is your right. With a solicitor, you are likely to get the best outcome possible.
Of course, solicitors aren’t miracle workers but they are going to do what they can to help provide the best outcome. Sometimes, this can be the difference between a reduced sentence and getting dismissed.
Time is of the essence when it comes to preparing a strong defence if you’re charged with manslaughter. It’s therefore essential to get legal representation to avoid a worst-case scenario, especially if you fall under a certain class within manslaughter.
With that being said, get in touch with ABV Solicitors. We can help empower you, protect your rights and build a vigorous defence against manslaughter allegations of any kind.
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