Indianapolis Manslaughter Defense Lawyer

Manslaughter is one of the most serious crimes that you can be accused of committing in the state of Indiana.

If you are convicted of such an offense, you are likely to end up spending a considerable amount of time in a state prison.

Of course, in the United States, everyone remains innocent until they are proven to be guilty. As such, if you wish to reduce your chances of spending years in prison, you would be wise to make it as difficult as possible for the prosecutor to convict you. The skilled Indianapolis manslaughter lawyers here at Suhre & Associates, LLC  can help you do just that. Contact us today at (317) 759-2599.

How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Manslaughter Charge

At Suhre & Associates, LLC, we work tirelessly every day to provide our clients with top-class legal services. When you hire us to help you with your manslaughter case, we will:

As you work through your manslaughter case, you are likely to have to make lots of difficult decisions.

If you choose wisely, you may be able to improve your chances of getting your charge dropped or reduced. However, if you consistently make missteps, you may make it easier for the prosecution to convict you.

Having worked within the legal industry for years, our lawyers know how to navigate a long and complex criminal case without making mistakes. When you have a tough choice to make, we will be by your side to provide you with the advice you need.

Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney

In the early stages of your manslaughter case, the prosecuting attorney may offer you a reduced sentence in exchange for a quick guilty plea. However, before you consider accepting their offer, it is generally wise to spend some time negotiating the terms of the deal. To do so, you will need the help of an expert negotiator.

The attorneys here at Suhre & Associates, LLC, have been dealing with Indiana prosecutors for years. During that time, we have learned the best tactics and techniques to use to convince them to offer better plea bargain agreements. When we are on your team, we will work tirelessly to try to land you an improved deal.

Represent You in Court

If your manslaughter case cannot be resolved using a plea bargain agreement, you will almost certainly have to go to court. There, a judge and jury will evaluate your case and determine whether or not you are guilty. If they convict you, they will also decide how you should be punished.

Our legal team has represented countless clients in courtrooms throughout Indiana over the years. If your case goes to trial, you can count on us to ensure that you receive a fair hearing.

Would you like to have a Suhre & Associates, LLC, criminal defense lawyer by your side as you go through your manslaughter case? If so, please do not hesitate to contact us and set up an initial consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team.

Understanding the Difference Between Manslaughter and Murde

Manslaughter and murder are both broadly defined under common law as the unlawful killing of a human being. However, there is one key difference between the two offenses: Malice aforethought (or the intent to kill).

To be charged with murder, an individual must generally intend to cause serious harm or death to another person. Manslaughter offenses usually do not involve these thoughts or intentions.

Because manslaughter does not involve malice aforethought, it is broadly considered to be less morally reprehensible than murder. As such, individuals who are found guilty of manslaughter are generally punished less severely than those who are convicted of first- or second-degree murder.

Have you been arrested and charged with murder or manslaughter in the state of Indiana? Contact the Suhre & Associates, LLC, legal team in Indianapolis today to begin fighting back against your charge.

Understanding Indiana’s Manslaughter Laws

In the state of Indiana, there are three main offenses that fall under the “manslaughter” umbrella. They are:

Voluntary Manslaughter

The crime of voluntary manslaughter is outlined in section 35-42-1-3 of the Indiana Code. This statute states that an individual may be charged with this crime if they, in the heat of passion:

  • Kill another human being
  • Kill a fetus that has attained viability

This offense is most commonly charged when family members get into a heated argument that leads to one party attacking another, causing them to die.

Voluntary manslaughter is typically classified as a Level 2 felony in the state of Indiana.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter is defined in section 35-42-1-4 of the Indiana Code. This law explains that an individual may be charged with this offense if they kill another human being or a fetus that has attained viability while committing or attempting to commit:

  • A Level 5 or Level 6 felony that poses a risk of serious bodily injury
  • A Class A misdemeanor that poses a risk of serious bodily injury
  • A battery offense

Typically, involuntary manslaughter occurs when a victim or bystander dies as a result of a robbery or assault.

In the state of Indiana, involuntary manslaughter is usually punishable as a Level 5 felony.

Reckless Homicide

The crime of reckless homicide is defined in section 35-42-1-5 of the Indiana Code. This law succinctly states that an individual may be charged with this offense if they recklessly kill another human being.

According to the state of Indiana, a person behaves “recklessly” when they engage in conduct “in plain, conscious, and unjustifiable disregard of harm that might result and the disregard involves a substantial deviation from acceptable standards of conduct.”

Indiana does not have a vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter offense on its books. As such, individuals who kill another human being while drunk driving in the Hoosier State are usually charged with reckless homicide (sometimes referred to as criminally negligent homicide).

Reckless homicide is generally classified as a Level 5 felony in Indiana.

The attorneys here at Suhre & Associates, LLC, in Indianapolis are well-versed in Indiana’s reckless homicide law, as well as its voluntary and involuntary manslaughter laws. To set up a free consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team, just give us a call or contact us online.

Consequences of an Indiana Manslaughter Conviction

Individuals who are found guilty of manslaughter in Indiana are likely to face severe criminal penalties. However, the negative consequences of their conviction will not end there. They may need to deal with a variety of collateral and civil consequences of their conviction:

Criminal Consequences of Indiana Manslaughter Convictions

The criminal punishments doled out by the state of Indiana for manslaughter convictions typically depend on the crime’s felony level:

Level 2 Felonies

In the Hoosier State, voluntary manslaughter is usually categorized as a Level 2 felony. Those who are found guilty of an offense of this nature may face the following criminal penalties:

  • Up to 30 years in state prison
  • A fine of up to $10,000
  • A permanent criminal record

Level 5 Felonies

Involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide are both typically classified as Level 5 felonies in the state of Indiana. Individuals who are convicted of such an offense can be punished as follows:

  • Up to 6 years in state prison
  • A fine of up to $10,000
  • A permanent criminal record

Collateral Consequences of Indiana Manslaughter Convictions

When individuals who have been convicted of manslaughter are released from prison, they are likely to find it quite difficult to lead a normal life. That’s because their criminal conviction will force them to endure a broad range of collateral consequences, such as:

  • Difficulty renting an apartment
  • Difficulty finding a job
  • Ineligibility for professional licenses
  • Ineligibility for student loans
  • Loss of gun ownership rights

Civil Consequences of Indiana Manslaughter Convictions

Those who are found guilty of manslaughter in criminal court often find themselves fighting a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court soon after. Though such a suit can be brought forward without a criminal conviction, the plaintiff is likely to find it much easier to win their case after a guilty verdict has been handed down.

The exact sum of money that wrongful death defendants need to pay if they lose the lawsuit can vary significantly from case to case. However, payouts of $100,000 or more are not uncommon.

At Suhre & Associates, LLC in Indianapolis, we know how terrifying the consequences of a manslaughter conviction can be. That is why we fight so hard to help our clients avoid them. If you would like us to represent you in your battle to avoid conviction, please reach out to us today to set up an initial consultation.

An Indianapolis Manslaughter Attorney You Can Count On

Do you need a skilled and experienced lawyer to help you fight back against your Indiana manslaughter charge? If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to the legal team here at Suhre & Associates, LLC in Indianapolis. We would love to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case in greater detail.

Our Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law firm also provides:

Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Indianapolis, IN

Suhre & Associates, LLC
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 759-2599

Ride there with Uber