Chicago Manslaughter Attorney

Murder involves the intent to kill. Whether it was planned in advanced or it unfolded in heat of the moment, murder is intentional. Manslaughter, on the other hand, applies when the death is unintentional or the result of reckless behavior. While not as serious as murder, manslaughter is still a violent crime and is punished harshly in the state of Illinois. Penalties often include thousands of dollars in fines and decades of imprisonment. The best chance for you to avoid the consequences of a manslaughter conviction is to obtain the help of a competent Chicago criminal defense attorney.

Legal processes can be confusing, especially if you are completely unfamiliar with the rules and procedures of the criminal court. Chicago manslaughter attorney Michael O’Meara understands how difficult it is to face criminal charges. At O’Meara Law, we will use our 20 years of courtroom experience to get you the best possible resolution of your case.

To find out how you can avoid the penalties for manslaughter, call 312-909-0706 today.

Understanding the Crime of Manslaughter

In Illinois, there are two distinct types of manslaughter. This first, known as involuntary manslaughter, occurs when you kill a person because of your recklessness. Recklessness consists in willfully doing something that you know to be dangerous. Imagine, for example, that you accept a bet to drive down the street blindfolded. If during this stunt you run over and kill someone, you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter. The key to this crime is reckless behavior.

Illinois only recognizes voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child. This crime may occur when the death of an unborn child occurs due to a voluntary act that may have been provoked or in the heat of passion. However, there is no intent to actually kill the unborn child. For example, if you find that your wife has been cheating on you and hit her out of anger, unintentionally killing her unborn child in the process, you may be charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Criminal and Collateral Consequences of a Manslaughter Conviction

The penalties for manslaughter are as follows:

• Voluntary Manslaughter of an Unborn Child (Class 1 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and between four and 15 years in prison.
• Involuntary Manslaughter (Class 3 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and between two to five years in prison.
• Involuntary Manslaughter of a Peace Officer (Class 2 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and between three and seven years in prison.
• Involuntary Manslaughter of a Family Member (Class 2 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and between three and 14 years in prison.

If you are convicted of manslaughter, your troubles will not stop once you are released from prison. Since you will have a criminal record and a felony conviction, finding a job might seem impossible. Most employers avoid hiring people who have committed crimes, even if the crime occurred in the distant past. Your plans to continue your education might also be cut short, as most schools have very strict admissions requirements. Most scholarships will be off-limits as well. Your right to own and use firearms will be revoked, and if you are a non-citizen, you may face deportation proceedings.

How O’Meara Law Can Help

Chicago manslaughter attorney Michael O’Meara will examine every aspect of your case and present your side of the story in court. He will ensure that your rights are not trampled on by the criminal justice system. For you to get convicted, the prosecutor must prove every element of manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled defense lawyer from O’Meara Law will punch holes in the prosecution’s case and work to secure your innocence.

If you have been accused of manslaughter, call 312-909-0706 now for a free consultation.