Los Angeles Manslaughter Lawyers

Los Angeles Manslaughter Lawyers

Manslaughter is a highly specific legal term that can be quite confusing for the layperson trying to make sense of the world of law. A person can be charged with manslaughter if they kill someone under certain circumstances. People often confuse the legal idea of manslaughter with the legal concept of murder. While the two terms have certain things in common, they are not the same thing. The line between the two is often clearly defined. While manslaughter is a serious crime that can lead to years of time behind bars, it is not the same thing as a charge of murder.

The killing of another person is a deeply complicated matter. Killing someone is not always illegal. For example, if you are being raped, mugged or otherwise being physically harmed and threatened in some way, the law recognizes that you have the right to defend yourself. You have the legal right to protect yourself and those you love from someone who might cause you harm. At the same time this right is not absolute. You cannot simply fire a gun indiscriminately into a crowd. People must act responsibly towards others even when they might face potential threats.

The law recognizes this fact. The legal system, however, also recognizes that certain boundaries exist and must be observed at all times. Manslaughter is essential when someone dies as a result of another person’s actions. This is distinguished from murder. Someone who commits murder must meet two criteria: their actions must involve deliberate planning and must also involve the deliberate intent to harm. For example, if a person deliberately buys a gun and then uses it to kill a spouse or if they accidentally kill someone while committing another crime such as robbery, that is considered murder.

Two Types of Charges

The process of manslaughter is slightly different. The legal system sees this is an fundamentally different act. In general, the law distinguishes between two types of manslaughter. There’s voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter recognizes that someone might have been provoked into responding to another person’s actions. For example, if a man comes home and finds that his wife is in bed with another man, if he kills that person that can fall under a charge of voluntary manslaughter. The key to his actions is they were done in the heat of passion as opposed to being premeditated in advance. On some level, the legal system recognizes that their actions were not done entirely intentionally. That means that any penalties they might face should be considered less serious than other form of killing under the law.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Another type of manslaughter charge is what is known as involuntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter has many legal meanings. In general it means that the person in question acted in a highly reckless way that resulted in someone being killed. Much of the idea behind this legal term refers to the person’s thoughts while they were engaged in this kind of criminal behavior. What looks like this kind of crime can actually be no crime at all. For example, if a driver has a minor mistake when driving such as failing to signal, they are not considered criminally culpable if someone deliberately darts into traffic and gets killed.

However, if someone bumps into someone else by accident and that person pulls out a gun, that is considered voluntary manslaughter. Even though the person violated another person’s space that does not give the second person the right to harm them. If someone argues and then another person pushes that person down the stairs, that is also an example of the kind of crime that can be considered voluntary manslaughter. The crucial issue is how the person acted in order to potentially cause harm to another person. A person is legally considered responsible for another person’s death if their own actions contributed to that person’s death in some way and such actions could have been avoided.

The Charge

Prosecutors are given a certain amount of leeway when it comes to choosing the kind of charges they will bring in the event of someone’s death at the hands of another person. Prosecutors also have a certain amount of leeway when it comes to arguing about the punishment expected if someone is convicted of this kind of crime. Most people who are convicted of either voluntary or involuntary manslaughter can expect to face at least some time in prison. They can also expect to face a potential civil lawsuit as well as the loss of any state licenses. This can led to all sorts of serious, long-term consequences that can affect their lives even after they’ve served time. A highly experienced lawyer is vitally important asset to have on hand to help.

EXCELLENT Based on 362 reviews.

Charle Butler

2021-03-12

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I was hesitant to hire the Spodek Law Group. I read reviews and knew they have a great reputation. However, I thought I would spend money and not see or speak to my attorney. From the beginning to end of my case Todd and the entire staff were available and willing to help. We worked towards and end result that was way above my expectation and Todd delivered. I am forever grateful for patience and long days and night spent working on my case. Thanks Todd and the entire team!

Mesonista parsons

2021-03-05

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My attorney at Spodek was Abigail. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions and concerns, as well as responsive. Her fees are affordable and Abigail took the time to make sure I understood everything relating to my case. I highly recommend Abigail and will request her services in the future.

debabrata chakraborty

2021-03-03

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Todd A Spodek is the experienced and best criminal lawyer at USA. He is very professional and always respond on time. Alex also very cooperative and always help me. They took care me and my problem like family member. I am 100% satisfied for their professional service. My result was unexpected and amazing. They dismissed my case. I am really grateful to them. I will recommend you to go there if you want to solve your problem. I wish all the best for them.

Asata Hendricks

2021-03-02

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Truly appreciate the work the guys did!. Exceptional team & I know they care about each and everyone of their clients. I am super thankful to be referred to Spodek Law Group and I am grateful Todd & Alex were able to work diligently to achieve an outcome I am pleased with. Despite COVID they stayed on top of things and kept me informed every step of the way. Very thankful.

Mike Moroff

2021-02-26

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I'm very satisfied with the services rendered by Todd, Alex and Mary Lou. I whole heartedly recommend Spodek Law Group . I've worked with and have retained other attorneys in the past with Todd's firm being the cream of the crop for many reasons. A very serious legal matter was resolved after a year's hard work and effort. Todd expertly guided me through the process and was able to navigate and make the good journey bearable as well as successful. Mary Lou initially provided excellent assistance before referring my case to Todd. Alex's support was effective and timely. The customer portal (MyCase) is an invaluable communication tool that also kept track of my case. Various aspects of my case were explained and there were several options provided but I made the final decision of how the case would be handled. The legal fee was reasonable considering the effort and amount of work plus it was a flat fee regardless of the length of time required to conclude my case. Todd made himself available to me and we had many scheduled meetings to go over the progress and to discuss the next steps. I felt more confident after many discussions with him. You will not go wrong choosing Spodek Law Group for legal matters.

Josh Katz

2021-02-24

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Being that it was the first time that I was in need of an attorney, I was afraid and hesitant and knew I needed the absolute best. It is beyond understood why Spodek Law Group has a reputation of being the top, if not the best law firm in New York. Alex and Abigail were there every step of the way even at the most unconvenient hours. I could not have asked for more. They are extremely good at what they do and they delivered much much more than just winning my case. A big thank you to Alex and Abigail for all the guidance and counseling and their upmost loyal support that extended far more than just legally. If you need the absolute best than don't hesitate to hire Spodek Law Firm.

L.C.

2021-02-24

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I cannot tell you how thankful I am to Todd and Alex for their hard work and dedication to my case. I had never been in any trouble before but I had an unfortunate event occur and in the midst of COVID-19 at that therefore I knew I needed a team that was dedicated to my success. Today- my case has been finalized and I’m walking away with no record and can continue life as a mother and a Grad student worry free. I cannot express enough gratitude for their assistance.

AnnMarie Soliman

2021-02-23

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I received a summons and called Spodek law group for a free consultation. Alex took my call and was very quick and responsive. He was available anytime through multiple platforms and very reassuring when needed. They are extremely organized and thorough. They got my case dismissed! I’m very grateful. Thank you Alex and Todd!