Bellevue Manslaughter Defense Lawyer

There are far fewer cold-blooded criminals accused of committing crimes in the state of Washington than you might think. Many people make mistakes, are victims of their circumstances, or have to defend themselves against a violent assault. If the district attorney has filed manslaughter charges against you, it is crucial that you take steps to safeguard your future.

Working with a dedicated Bellevue manslaughter defense lawyer from Puget Law Group could be the solution. A reputable Bellevue homicide defense lawyer with our firm may be able to secure an acquittal or another favorable outcome that allows you to avoid some of the harsher criminal penalties of a conviction.

When Manslaughter Charges Apply

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Manslaughter is one of the most serious violent crimes you could be accused of. It involves taking the life of another human being by the act, procurement, or omission of another as described by RCW 9A.32.010. The circumstances surrounding the incident will have a profound impact on the type of homicide charges you are facing and the extent of your penalties.

There are two primary types of manslaughter. First-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter. First-degree manslaughter involves the intentional death of another, while second-degree manslaughter involves causing the death of another with criminal negligence, as described under RCW 9A.032.070.

If mitigating factors are present, the prosecutor may be willing to work out a plea. Perhaps there was a history of domestic violence, and you needed to protect yourself, for example. We will need to carefully review all the evidence and the state’s case against you to determine how to best approach your defense strategy.

What to Expect if You Are Convicted

If you are convicted, the penalties would be severe. If you are convicted of a second-degree manslaughter offense, you could spend up to $20,000 in fines and as much as 10 years in prison. Things get worse if you are convicted of first-degree manslaughter.

You could be facing life in prison, and fines as high as $50,000 since first-degree manslaughter is a class A felony per RCW 9A.32.060. Your entire future could be in jeopardy if you are convicted. Take your defense seriously and turn to a reputable homicide defense lawyer for help clearing your name.

Bellevue Manslaughter Defense FAQ

What does It Cost to Hire a Reputable Manslaughter Defense Attorney in Bellevue, WA?

It is difficult to say how much you could expect to spend when you hire a Bellevue manslaughter defense attorney from Puget Law Group. First, we need to review the specific details of your case. For some clients, we can charge a flat fee, while others will proceed at an hourly rate.

You may be considering hiring a public defender instead of working with a private manslaughter defense attorney in Bellevue. However, this may be ill-advised. Public defenders do not typically have the time or resources to give cases the personalized attention they deserve. This is something you cannot afford to risk when your freedom is on the line.

Is There a Maximum Amount of Time Manslaughter Charges Can Be Filed?

No. Washington state considers manslaughter a homicide-type offense. This means there is no statute of limitations, along with the following criminal offenses:

• Abuse resulting in homicide under RCW 9A.32.055
• Arson in the first degree resulting in death under RCW 9A.48.020
• Child molestation under RCW 9A.44.083
• Hit-and-run accidents resulting in death under RCW 46.52.020(4)(a)
• First-degree murder under RCW 9A.32.030 
• Rape of a minor under the age of 16 under RCW 9A.44.079
• Vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520

Is Manslaughter Ever a Misdemeanor?

No. Manslaughter is not typically tried as a misdemeanor in Washington state. Instead, there are three primary types of manslaughter charges as follows:

• Vehicular homicide – This is a class A felony, punishable by $50,000 in fines and a life sentence.
• Second-degree manslaughter – This is a class B felony, punishable by up to $20,000 in fines and as much as 10 years in prison.
• First-degree manslaughter – This is a class A felony, punishable by $50,000 in fines and a life sentence.

Should I Accept a Plea When I Am Accused of Manslaughter?

It depends on the specific details of your case. If the state’s case against you is strong, it may be in your best interest to accept a plea bargain, especially if the penalties you are facing include life in prison. You may not be willing to put your future in the hands of a jury.

Can My Manslaughter Conviction Be Expunged?

Generally, no, most violent or sex crimes cannot be expunged from your record. However, you may consider the criminal appeals process in Washington. Your Bellevue criminal defense attorney can help you understand how the appeals process works if you are ultimately convicted and want to explore every option to protect your future. 

What Are the Most Common Defenses Against Manslaughter?

If the prosecutor is not willing to work out a plea, you will need to prepare to go to trial. Several possible defenses may apply, based on how the death occurred in your case. Some common defenses against manslaughter include:

• Acting in self-defense
• Innocence
• Intoxication or impairment
• Lack of criminal intent
• Lack of sufficient evidence
• Mental incapacity
• Mistaken identity
• Wrongful arrest

Trust in a Strategically Aggressive Manslaughter Defense Lawyer in Bellevue, WA

Along with murder and sexual assault, manslaughter is one of the most serious crimes you could be accused of committing. When someone loses their life, expect the criminal justice system and community to be out for blood.

If a Bellevue manslaughter defense lawyer is going to clear your name, we are going to need powerful supporting evidence and plausible reasonable doubt.

Turn to a high-powered manslaughter defense attorney in Bellevue, WA from Puget Law Group when you are ready to take control of your defense strategy.

We will fight tirelessly to challenge prosecutorial misconduct and constitutional rights violations. When you call our office or fill out our secure contact form, we can schedule your confidential consultation and help you get back to your family sooner.