Are you facing manslaughter charges in Connecticut criminal court? If so, you need a dedicated legal warrior on your side to ensure you get the fair trial to which you are entitled. While the court may appoint you an attorney, court-appointed attorneys are famously overworked and often glance at your case file for the first time while they are walking into the courtroom. The penalties for manslaughter are serious, so it is not something that should be left to chance. Contact any of our experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help keep you out of jail. 

What is Manslaughter?

Manslaughter can be charged if an individual is suspected of unintentionally killing another person. Manslaughter may be charged if the defendant intended to cause the victim serious personal injury but accidentally killed them instead or if the victim died as a result of the defendant’s gross negligence and reckless disregard for human life. Manslaughter may also be charged if the defendant intentionally killed the victim in a fit of emotional disturbance, known as “in the heat of the moment” crimes. If you are facing manslaughter charges, it is important to make sure that you understand the charges against you. Our lawyers can help. Our lawyers have the experience and skill that matter.

Kinds of Manslaughter in Connecticut 

In Connecticut, there are several different categories of manslaughter that vary in severity. First-degree manslaughter and first-degree manslaughter with a firearm are Class B felonies. First-degree manslaughter occurs when an individual intends to seriously wound the victim but ends up killing them or causes them death due to reckless disregard for human life. This is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. However, manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm carries up to 40 years in jail. Second-degree manslaughter occurs when an individual recklessly causes someone else’s death or causes them to take their own life. This is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If second-degree manslaughter is committed with a firearm, there is a minimum sentence of at least one year. Misconduct with a motor vehicle is a Class D felony that occurs when a driver is criminally negligent in causing the death of another person. It is punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Criminally negligent homicide occurs when an individual causes someone’s death. This is the least serious form of manslaughter and is punishable by up to one year in prison and $2,000 in fines. 

As you can see, the penalties for manslaughter can be severe. It is important to make sure that you have the legal support you need to overcome the charges against you and keep your life on track. In many cases, your attorney will be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution on your behalf. A plea bargain allows you to avoid a trial by pleading guilty or no contest to a lesser offense. This is relevant because if you are charged with a more serious degree of manslaughter, such as first-degree manslaughter, it is possible that your attorney will negotiate a plea bargain that will allow you to instead plead guilty to a less serious offense, such as criminally negligent homicide. For others, a plea is not possible and a trial is necessary. Few attorneys have the trial experience Attorney Kaloidis has. He is always ready to battle at trial. In order to get an idea of what options may be available to you, contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a consultation and receive personalized feedback on your case. 

What is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter? 

Murder requires the element of intent. In order to be convicted of murder, the defendant must have intended to kill the victim. The court will generally focus on the motive for murder and whether the defendant intended to kill the victim. On the other hand, manslaughter is usually an accident. Manslaughter can occur when the victim of an intended injury instead dies or death is the natural consequence of someone’s egregiously negligent or reckless actions. Manslaughter may also occur when due to intense emotional disturbance, a person does not have enough time to think and make a decision about their actions and simply reacts at the moment. Because murder requires an intent element that manslaughter does not, the penalties for murder are more severe than those for manslaughter. However, the penalties for manslaughter are also serious and should not be taken lightly. If you are facing charges of either murder or manslaughter in Connecticut, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. 

Schedule a Consultation with the Kaloidis Law Firm Today 

The experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyers at The Kaloidis Law Firm are warriors for justice. We will fight fearlessly to ensure that you get the fair trial to which you are entitled, and the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start fighting for you.