Weld County Manslaughter Attorney
Usually when a death occurs, even in an accident, friends and family of the deceased want to hold someone responsible. It is in these situations the Manslaughter charge often comes into play. As human beings, we know accidents happen. However, the law does not allow for any accidents, and criminal charges frequently arise from accidental events where a person loses their life.
What is the Definition of Manslaughter?
According to Colorado law, the definition of Manslaughter – C.R.S. 18-3-104 – is:
(a) Such person recklessly causes the death of another person; or
(b) Such person intentionally causes or aids another person to commit suicide.
With such a vague definition, it is important to break down all the parts of the definition and know what the term ‘recklessly’ means. The definition of ‘recklessly’ is:
When families are pushing for action from the Greeley Police and Weld County District Attorneys, many times Manslaughter is charged because no ‘intentional conduct’ crimes fit. This means they cannot prove a person did anything on purpose to cause the death of another. But, since a death occurred and the accused was present, police will charge a crime based on reckless conduct.
What is the Sentence for Manslaughter?
As a class 4 felony in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, this crime is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) along with 3 years of parole once released from DOC. The judge can also sentence the defendant to pay $2,000 to $500,000 in fines with this level of felony.
Examples of Manslaughter in Greeley
Because this definition is so imprecise, many unpredictable events can lead to Manslaughter charges in Greeley, Erie, and Evans.
If someone was helping to clean out the gutters on his friend’s house and the old ladder broke while the friend was standing on it, and the resulting fall caused the friend’s death, the homeowner could be charged with Manslaughter.
If when working on a car, the vehicle falls off the jack-stand and lands on a friend causing his death, the other person can be charged with Manslaughter. Even though the death was an accident and the jack-stand is the right tool to use during these situations, criminal charges can still arise.
Or, when cleaning a gun, the handler does not realize a bullet has been engaged and during the cleaning the trigger is pulled and someone near is fatally hit. Manslaughter charges could very likely follow this accident.
Why You Need an Expert Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side
Can you imagine while mourning the death of a friend or loved one, you are also trying to defend yourself from being blamed for their death? At the O’Malley Law Office, we specialize in protecting those who have been charged with a crime like Manslaughter, and will work tirelessly to defend you. The Windsor and Berthoud police are not your friends in these situations. They will use everything you say against you. It may be tempting to talk with them, because you are innocent and telling the truth, but they will twist your words to try and meet the elements of Manslaughter. Let the experienced lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office be your voice and protect you from the government. Your freedom is worth the best defense.