Punishments For Involuntary Manslaughter
| First of all you should understand that manslaughter is quite different from murder, even though both acts involve taking a life of another human being. |
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The difference is that murder is committed with malice and intention while manslaughter is committed without intention or premeditation.
Manslaughter is classified into two types: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter occurs in the heat of passion or while committing a felony. The reason voluntary manslaughter is not considered murder is because of the person’s state of mind and the lack of planning. However, if prosecutors can prove malice and intention, the charge of voluntary manslaughter can be easily changed to murder.
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person does not have the intentions of killing a person but the person still dies because of negligence or recklessness. Negligence usually occurs when a person acts in a careless manner and causes damage to another person. If the injured person dies immediately or dies within one year of the incident, negligence becomes a criminal matter and the death is considered as involuntary manslaughter.
Punishments for involuntary manslaughter vary from on state to another. One thing is for sure that the punishment meted out is less severe than that given for murder. Some states do not consider involuntary manslaughter as a felony. Instead these states view it as a misdemeanor, and punished accordingly. Most states view involuntary manslaughter as improper use of reasonable care or skill while performing legal a task or an activity. Usual punishments for involuntary manslaughter are fine and jail time.
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