Indianapolis Manslaughter Lawyer

Provided by The Criminal Defense Team

Manslaughter is a type of homicide that involves the death of another individual but is not premeditated. While it is a type of homicide, manslaughter is not a type of murder. Rather, it is a lesser offense to murder that carries with it less severe penalties.

If you have been charged with manslaughter, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Criminal Defense Team, our legal group of Indianapolis manslaughter attorneys is comprised of former prosecutors who can help you fight the charges against you and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Request your consultation today by calling (317) 565-2221 or filling out our online contact form.

Manslaughter Laws in Indiana

In Indiana, manslaughter is a criminal offense that involves the unlawful killing of another person without the intent to kill or with the intent to cause serious bodily injury. Indiana's laws differentiate between two types of manslaughter: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person intentionally kills another person but does so in the heat of passion or in sudden, uncontrollable anger. This violent crime typically involves a provocation that would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control.

In Indiana, voluntary manslaughter is considered a Level 2 felony, which is one of the most serious felony classifications. The penalties for voluntary manslaughter include a potential term of imprisonment of up to 30 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Involuntary manslaughter refers to the unintentional killing of another person as a result of reckless conduct or criminal negligence. This offense involves a disregard for the safety and well-being of others, but without the intent to cause harm.

In Indiana, involuntary manslaughter can be charged as a Level 5 or Level 6 felony, depending on the specific circumstances. A Level 5 felony carries a potential prison sentence of up to 6 years and a fine of up to $10,000, while a Level 6 felony carries a potential sentence of up to 2.5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

The main difference between murder and manslaughter lies in the perpetrator's intent and state of mind when causing the death of another person. The key distinction is the presence or absence of malice aforethought, which refers to the intention to cause serious harm or kill another person.

How Does the Prosecutor Prove Manslaughter?

In Indiana, the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor to establish the elements of manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt.

To prove manslaughter, the prosecutor must present evidence that supports the following key elements:

1. Unlawful Killing: The prosecutor must demonstrate that a person's death occurred as a result of the defendant's actions. It must be established that the killing was not justified or legally excusable.
2. Lack of Malice Aforethought: Unlike murder, the prosecutor must show that the defendant did not have malice aforethought. This means that the defendant did not have the intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm to the victim.
3. Reckless or Negligent Conduct: The prosecutor must establish that the defendant's actions leading to the death of another person were either reckless or criminally negligent. Recklessness refers to consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that one's actions may cause harm. Criminal negligence involves a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation.
4. Causation: It must be shown that the defendant's reckless or negligent conduct directly caused the death of the victim. The prosecutor needs to establish a causal link between the defendant's actions and the resulting fatality.

To prove these elements, the prosecutor typically relies on various types of evidence, such as:

• Witness testimonies: Eyewitnesses or individuals with knowledge of the events leading to the death may provide statements or testimony to establish the defendant's actions and state of mind.
• Physical evidence: Forensic evidence, such as autopsy reports, medical records, or crime scene analysis, can help establish the cause of death and support the prosecutor's argument.
• Expert testimony: Expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, may be called upon to provide their professional opinions and interpretations of the evidence.
• Documentary evidence: Any relevant documents, such as police reports, photographs, or surveillance footage, can be introduced to support the prosecution's case.

Let Our Team Defend You Today

The Criminal Defense Team has three Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists who understand what it takes to obtain the most favorable outcomes in the face of the most serious charges. Do not hesitate to let our Indianapolis manslaughter lawyer defend you from start to finish.

Contact us today at (317) 565-2221 to learn how we can help you.