Columbus Manslaughter Defense Attorneys
Tough representation for anyone charged with a manslaughter offense in Ohio
An arrest for manslaughter is frightening. If you, or someone you care for, is charged with manslaughter, it’s critical that an experienced criminal defense attorney be contacted immediately. The prosecution takes manslaughter charges very seriously. You need a lawyer with the skills to contest the government’s case every step of the way.
At Soroka & Associates, LLC, we speak for defendants charged with serious crimes including manslaughter. We represent defendants at the local prison or detention center. We fight to obtain bail. Our lawyers understand the legal, factual, and practical steps to take at the pre-trial hearings, when filing motions, and at the jury trial. Our lawyers have a strong record of obtaining dismissals, acquittals, and plea reductions to lesser charges. We’ll help you present the strongest defense possible.
How can we help?
- What is voluntary manslaughter in Columbus?
- What is involuntary manslaughter in Columbus?
- What is negligent homicide in Columbus?
- What is vehicular manslaughter in Columbus?
- How does manslaughter differ from murder?
- What are the penalties for the different types of manslaughter charges in Ohio?
- What defenses can defendants assert if they are charged with manslaughter in Columbus?
- Do you have a manslaughter lawyer near me?
What is voluntary manslaughter in Columbus?
Voluntary manslaughter is defined as follows:
(A) No person, while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage, either of which is brought on by serious provocation occasioned by the victim that is reasonably sufficient to incite the person into using deadly force, shall knowingly cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy.
(B) No person, with a sexual motivation, shall violate division (A) of this section.
Voluntary manslaughter is a felony of the first degree.
What is involuntary manslaughter in Columbus?
Under Section 2903.04 of the Ohio Revised Code:
- “No person shall cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy as a proximate result of the offender's committing or attempting to commit a felony.” This is a first-degree felony charge.
- “No person shall cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy as a proximate result of the offender's committing or attempting to commit a misdemeanor of any degree, a regulatory offense, or a minor misdemeanor” with some exceptions. This is a third-degree felony charge.
A conviction of either charge will also result in a loss of driving privileges – based on a class one suspension.
What is negligent homicide in Columbus?
A person can be charged with negligent homicide if they “negligently cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.”
This offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
What is vehicular manslaughter in Columbus?
Generally, anyone who causes the death of another person or an unborn baby while operating a car, truck, motorcycle, or other types of vehicles can be charged with either aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, or vehicular manslaughter if he/she operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, recklessly, negligently while in a construction zone, or in violation of a municipal ordnance.
The level of crime and the penalties vary depending on many different factors that our Columbus manslaughter attorneys can explain.
How does manslaughter differ from murder?
Murder generally means that the defendant acted with malice aforethought. This means the defendant intended to cause the victim’s death. Crimes that result in the unintended death of a victim are generally classified as manslaughter.
What are the penalties for the different types of manslaughter charges in Ohio?
The penalties for the different types of manslaughter charges are based on the degree of the crime, a defendant’s prior criminal record, and other factors. In Ohio, defendants can generally be sentenced as follows:
- Felony of the first degree. The possible prison sentence is between 3 and 11 years. The fine can be up to $20,000.
- Felony of the second degree. The possible prison sentence is between 2 and 8 years. The fine can be up to $15,000.
- Felony of the third degree. The possible prison sentence is between 9 and 36 months. The fine can be up to $10,000.
- Felony of the fourth degree. The possible prison sentence is up to 18 months. The fine can be up to $5,000.
- Felony of the fifth degree. The possible prison sentence is up to 12 months. The fine can be up to $2,500.
- Misdemeanor of the first degree. The possible prison sentence is up to 180 days. The fine can be up to $1,000.
- Misdemeanor of the second degree. The possible prison sentence is up to 90 days. The fine can be up to $750.
Felony crimes are served in state jails. Misdemeanor crimes are served in county jails. To be sentenced to death, you must be found guilty of murder or aggravated murder, not manslaughter.
Additional penalties for manslaughter will likely include difficulty finding work, a place to live, possible deportation, licensing problems, and difficulty getting loans for school. Felons cannot buy, use, or carry guns in Ohio.
What defenses can defendants assert if they are charged with manslaughter in Columbus?
At Soroka & Associates, we assert every Constitutional, legal, and factual defense available. We work with you to develop an overall approach as to how and when we will contest the prosecution’s efforts, and when we may consider negotiating with the prosecution.
Some of the many defenses and approaches we use include:
- Asserting all your Constitutional rights. These rights include the right not to give testimony against yourself, the right to legal searches that generally require reasonable grounds, or a warrant based on probable cause, and the right to question the witnesses against you. We file motions to suppress any evidence that was illegally obtained.
- Asserting your legal defenses. These include arguing that there is a reasonable doubt as to each element of the criminal charge, your right to be presumed innocent, and your right to be tried by a jury of your peers. We may argue that if the charge is based on an underlying offense such as the commission of a felony or driving while under the influence – that the prosecution has not been able to prove the underlying charge. We are experienced at selecting fair juries and cross-examining the witnesses against you.
- Asserting all factual defenses. Some manslaughter cases depend on whether you acted in self-defense. You may have had a green light not a red light when the accident happened.
Our lawyers will, with your consent, and if the law and facts indicate a plea bargain is in your best interests, negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. For example, we may work to negotiate a voluntary manslaughter charge to involuntary manslaughter or a vehicular manslaughter charge to a DUI charge.
Do you have a manslaughter lawyer near me?
The Columbus office of Soroka & Associates is located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205. Our office is located near I-71 and Rt. 23. Our Columbus manslaughter lawyers meet clients in prison when necessary.
Speak with a respected Columbus manslaughter defense lawyer now
At Soroka & Associates, we’re your mouthpiece. We’re your advocate. Our lawyers work aggressively to obtain your freedom and preserve your reputation. We are respected by former criminal defense clients and by prosecutors for our record of success representing defendants before judges and juries. We know you’re terrified. Our Columbus manslaughter defense lawyers will calmly and strongly guide you through each phase of the criminal process. Call us at 614-918-4078 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.