Manslaughter Solicitors

A manslaughter charge is extremely serious, and if you are being investigated by the police or you are facing charges, you need experienced manslaughter solicitors on your side.

At Parnell and Peel, we have the expertise to help you navigate this difficult time. We will ensure that your rights are not infringed and that you have the representation you need, including during any police station interviews.

We will act promptly to secure evidence in support of your case and put together the strongest possible defence on your behalf.

We have an excellent track record as criminal defence solicitors, and we hold the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation accreditation. This recognises our high level of knowledge, skill and experience in handling criminal cases.

To speak to one of our experienced manslaughter solicitors today, please call us on 033 00532252 or make a Free Online Enquiry for immediate assistance. All enquiries are completely confidential.

 

What Is Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of someone, but without the intention to kill them. If someone intends to kill or cause serious harm, this is murder. When the death occurs as a result of an unlawful act or gross negligence, the charge is generally one of manslaughter.

Most manslaughter charges are classed as involuntary manslaughter. There are two types of involuntary manslaughter:

• Unlawful act manslaughter; and
• Gross negligence manslaughter

Unlawful act manslaughter occurs when someone commits a criminal act and as a result someone dies. An example is when someone is hit with a single punch. If they fall, hit their head and die, this is unlawful act manslaughter.

Gross negligence manslaughter is a death that occurs because of serious failings in meeting a duty of care. This could be an employer whose employee is killed because of gross negligence relating to safety, or a health worker whose patient dies because of serious healthcare failings.

A more serious type of manslaughter is known as voluntary manslaughter. This is an offence that would have resulted in a murder charge, but the defendant has a partial defence, such as diminished responsibility or loss of control.

What Are The Defences To Manslaughter?

The following can be a defence to manslaughter:

• Self-defence, where you acted in a way that was necessary, reasonable and proportionate to protect yourself from harm
• The incident was an accident
• Your act was not reckless enough to constitute manslaughter
• The act was not unlawful
• The act did not directly cause the victim’s death
• You were forced into taking the action that caused the death by a third party, and you acted under duress
• You were involuntarily intoxicated, for example, because you were given drugs or alcohol without your knowledge
• You made a factual mistake

If you are facing a charge of manslaughter, we will work with you to identify what defence may be applicable.

What Is The Sentence For Manslaughter?

The sentence for manslaughter can vary widely, with the maximum being life imprisonment. Usually, a sentence is between two and ten years, depending on a range of factors.

Points the courts will consider when imposing a sentence for manslaughter include:

• The type of manslaughter
• The level of harm caused
• The level of culpability, including how reckless the act was, the perpetrator’s intention or the level of negligence
• Whether the court considers the perpetrator to be a risk to the public
• Aggravating factors, including:
  • The vulnerability of a victim
  • Planning
  • Persuading others to take part in the offence
  • Previous convictions
  • Use of a weapon
  • Previous violence towards the victim
  • Attempting to cover up the offence
• Mitigation factors, including:
  • Provocation on the part of the victim
  • Remorse
  • Age or maturity
  • Mental understanding
  • Previous good character

We will establish whether there were any mitigating circumstances that may assist, such as your age or vulnerability.

Contact Our Manslaughter Solicitors

Our expert manslaughter solicitors can provide you with the advice and representation you need if you are facing manslaughter charges or a police investigation.

Call us now on 033 00532252 or make a Free Online Enquiry for immediate assistance. All enquiries are completely confidential.