Like many states, North Carolina has a number of different manslaughter crimes that you could be charged with committing. They are serious felony charges that can carry a lengthy prison sentence. If you have been arrested and charged with manslaughter, you should take actions to defend yourself immediately —including retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Voluntary Manslaughter Charges and Penalties

One common manslaughter charge in North Carolina is voluntary manslaughter. It is different than murder charges, which includes the requirements that the killings be done with premeditation and malice. Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing but is done when provoked and is often referred to as a “heat of passion” crime. The provocation can cause the person to act rashly, in a sudden fit of rage, or due to extreme emotional distress. However, there is no pre-planning of the killing as is the case when someone is charged with murder.

Manslaughter is a Class D felony. If you are convicted, you face a prison sentence of between 51 and 64 months in prison and must be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 51 months in prison.

What Is the Difference Between Involuntary and Voluntary Manslaughter Charges?

The main difference between involuntary and voluntary manslaughter charges in North Carolina is the intent of the person charged with committing the crime. To be charged with voluntary manslaughter, the person must have intended to kill the victim. With involuntary manslaughter, the killing was caused by reckless or negligent actions. The elements of this crime are that a person kills another human being by an unlawful act that is not a felony and is not normally dangerous to a person’s life or by a culpably negligent act or omission.

Involuntary manslaughter is a Class F felony, and the sentence could include up to 20 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of 13 months. The judge can also assess a hefty fine.

Vehicular Manslaughter: Another Serious Manslaughter Charge in North Carolina

Vehicular Manslaughter in North CarolinaUnlike some states, North Carolina has a third manslaughter offense—vehicular manslaughter—for deaths caused by vehicle accidents. Under our state’s laws, this is known as death by vehicle and is defined as killing another human being while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or any homicide that is caused by a violation of a state or local driving law. Examples of situations where a person can be charged with vehicular manslaughter include:

  • Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Speeding
  • DUI and DWI
  • Running a red light
  • Reckless driving

Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. What charges will be brought will be based on the circumstances of the crime and whether the person has been convicted of this charge in the past. The possible penalties include the following:

  • Misdemeanor. A misdemeanor offense is a Class A1 offense that carries a sentence of up to 150 days in jail and a fine to be set by the judge.
  • Felony. Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a Class D felony. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of 38 to 120 months and a fine to be determined by the judge.
  • Aggravated felony. If a person has been convicted of DWI in the past, the charge could be aggravated felony death by vehicle, which is also a Class D felony. The penalties include a sentence of 64 to 160 months and a fine—also decided by the judge.

Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charlotte, NC?

If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.

 

Howard W. Long, II
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Charlotte Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyer