SECOND DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER

2nd DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER UNDER WASHINGTON LAW

Second-degree manslaughter is the crime where someone: (1) causes the death of another person; and, (2) does so while acting with “criminal negligence.”

Washington law says that a person is criminally negligent when he or she fails to be aware of a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his or her failure to be aware of such substantial risk constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation.

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SECOND DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER PENALTIES

Manslaughter in the second degree is a Class B felony. The crime is punishable by:

  • a maximum of 10 years in state prison, and/or
  • a maximum fine of $20,000.

Most defendants without a prior criminal history who are convicted of this offense will receive a prison term of between 21 and 27 months.  For people with a prior history, the sentence will be much longer.

DEFENSES FOR POSSESSION CHARGES

A skilled criminal defense attorney can raise a legal defense to help an accused contest manslaughter charges. While the most effective defense will depend on the facts of a given case, some common defenses to these charges include:

  1. even if the defendant’s actions caused a death they did not rise to the level of criminal negligence,
  2. the defendant was falsely accused, and
  3. the defendant was arrested after the police coerced a confession.

An accused also has the right to challenge any evidence that the State wants to introduce during the case. This includes evidence like DNA samples, fingerprints, and other forensic evidence.

The criminal defense lawyers at Black & Askerov have over 25 combined years of experience contesting homicide charges – including charges of both first and second-degree manslaughter. They work tirelessly to protect their clients and they defend them with both passion and strength. An allegation of manslaughter is a serious issue that requires a criminal defense attorney that will fight for you at every step along the way. Our team performs nothing less. Contact our firm now and get the legal help you deserve.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

We serve clients throughout Washington including those in the following localities: King County including Bellevue, Kent, and Seattle; Benton County including Kennewick; Chelan County including Wenatchee; Clallam County including Port Angeles; Grays Harbor County including Aberdeen; Kitsap County including Port Orchard; Kittitas County including Ellensburg; Pierce County including Tacoma; Skagit County including Mount Vernon; Snohomish County including Everett; Spokane County including Spokane; Thurston County including Olympia; Whatcom County including Bellingham; and Yakima County including Yakima.

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