Not all deaths with the potential of criminal charges are intentional. In fact, many fatalities in Colorado and elsewhere can land a person with criminal penalties, despite the death being accidental or due to the “heat of passion.” People who are facing manslaughter charges for the death of another may face life-altering consequences, including heavy fines and a lengthy prison sentence. It is important to understand what exactly manslaughter entails.
According to FindLaw, manslaughter differs from murder, in that the death was not intentional or planned, but is still unlawful. Involuntary manslaughter pertains to the unintentional death of someone during a lawful act or unlawful nonfelony act involving reckless or negligent activity, such as the following:
Voluntary manslaughter, on the other hand, involves a death due to an unpremeditated but intentional act. Often, a person accused of voluntary manslaughter lost control of his or her temper, as in the following examples:
Criminal charges resulting from a fatality are serious, whether the charges involve involuntary or voluntary manslaughter or a more severe homicide charge. The law entitles individuals to a competent defense regardless of the circumstances that surrounded the incident.