Manslaughter Attorney in Columbia, SC
Charged With Manslaughter in South Carolina? Contact Our Columbia Defense Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey, our Columbia, SC, manslaughter defense lawyer is a skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate advocate for people facing serious allegations. Every person has the right to raise a defense. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with manslaughter, we are here to help. Contact us today at our Columbia law office for a fully confidential consultation with a top South Carolina manslaughter defense attorney.
An Overview of Manslaughter Charges in South Carolina
South Carolina Code § 16-3-50 governs manslaughter charges in the state. It is a serious criminal offense that can carry significant penalties for a conviction. There are two different classifications of manslaughter charges in our state. Here is an overview of manslaughter in South Carolina:
- Voluntary Manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter involves the unlawful killing of another person without malice. Most often, the offense happens in the heat of passion upon sufficient legal provocation. For example, if an individual is provoked and reacts violently without premeditation, and another person is killed, that may be voluntary manslaughter.
- Involuntary Manslaughter: The criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter apply to unintentional killings that happen as a result of criminal negligence and/or reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Note: The key distinction lies in the perpetrator’s intent and the circumstances leading to the death.
Know the Penalties for Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a serious criminal offense in South Carolina. It is always a felony. With that being said, the specific penalties for the charge will vary depending on the case, and most notably, the classification of the offense. The penalties for manslaughter in South Carolina are:
- Voluntary Manslaughter: Classified as a Class A felony, it carries a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 30 years. The exact duration depends on factors like the severity of the provocation and the defendant’s criminal history.
- Involuntary Manslaughter: Considered a Class F felony, it is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. The lesser penalty reflects the absence of intent to kill. In some cases, only a short prison term is required for an involuntary manslaughter conviction.
Why Trust Columbia Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Jonathan M. Harvey
Manslaughter is a serious offense. A conviction can carry steep penalties, potentially including a significant prison term. You need a reliable advocate on your team. Jonathan M. Harvey is a top-tier South Carolina defense lawyer. Our client testimonials show what we can do for people who are facing serious charges. Among other things, our Columbia manslaughter defense lawyer will:
- Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review of your case;
- Investigate the manslaughter charges, gathering relevant evidence;
- Represent you before police and prosecutors; and
- Develop a personalized strategy to best protect your rights.
Contact Our Columbia, SC Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey, our manslaughter defense attorney has the knowledge and experience that you can trust. If you or your loved one was charged with manslaughter, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential case review. From our Columbia office, we defend felony criminal charges throughout the broader region in South Carolina.