DWI Manslaughter Charges and Penalties in Kansas City, Missouri
In the event that you end up in a DWI manslaughter case, there’s really only one thing you can do to ensure that you don’t have a life altering conviction – you must aggressively fight any underlying accusations of your case. If you had been driving drunk or in a reckless manner, and the cause of another person’s death, then you will be charged with manslaughter. In the case that you were not driving drunk or even recklessly, then you have an unwarranted manslaughter charge. To challenge these accusations, it’s imperative to have the right attorney to assist you.
What’s the Difference Between Manslaughter & Murder?
Even though the typical term used to define an unlawful act of killing, is “murder,” you should know that there is many differences between the different kinds of homicide that are under United States law. Murder, according to Missouri Code §565.020, is causing the death of another person, with deliberation incorporating an element of premeditation.
Manslaughter, however, is when one “causes the death of another person under circumstances that would constitute murder in the second degree,” according to Missouri Code §565.020. This is the killing of another person as a result of a sudden event. While both of these sound very similar, they affect the offender in many ways.
Penalties For Manslaughter In Missouri
A voluntary manslaughter is classified as either causing another person’s death, while under the influence of sudden passion, or assisting someone in committing suicide. Voluntary manslaughter is classified as a Class B felony. The penalty is anywhere between 5-15 years in prison.
Involuntary manslaughter is classified as either causing another person’s death because of reckless behavior, or causing another person’s death due to the operating of a vehicle while intoxicated. Involuntary manslaughter is classified as a Class D felony. The penalty being up to 4 years in prison.
At Cornerstone, we fight aggressively to help our clients to win against these charges. There’s plenty of information on this site to inform and educate yourself on the risks, charges and steps needed to win your case. Make sure that you carefully review this information. And if you have been in a DWI manslaughter case, contact us immediately for free consultation.
