Tacoma Manslaughter Defense Lawyer

If you are accused of taking someone’s life, you could be facing serious criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances of your case and your intent, you could be accused of multiple violent crimes. If the prosecutor believes there was a lack of malice aforethought, instead of pursuing homicide charges, they may opt to file manslaughter charges.

Though manslaughter is often perceived to be a less serious offense, the consequences of a conviction can be just as devastating as a murder conviction. Turn to a respected Tacoma manslaughter defense lawyer from Puget Law Group with over 150 years of combined experience to get the justice you deserve.

Contact our Tacoma homicide defense lawyer to request a confidential consultation today and learn more about what you should expect if you are found guilty and which defenses may be most suitable based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Types of Manslaughter and Related Criminal Charges

You can count on a Tacoma criminal defense lawyer to do everything they can to get you the best outcome possible. It may surprise you to learn that there are two different types of manslaughter charges. The type of manslaughter charges you are accused of will determine the extent of the penalties you face if you are convicted. The two primary types of manslaughter include:

• Second-degree manslaughter – Second-degree manslaughter charges apply when you are accused of killing someone else with criminal negligence. This is considered a class B felony. If convicted, you could pay a $20,000 fine and spend as much as 10 years in a Washington state prison per RCW §9A.32.070.
• First-degree manslaughter – First-degree manslaughter is more serious. Here, you are accused of killing someone recklessly or killing an unborn child intentionally by hurting the mother. This is a class A felony. If convicted, you could be ordered to pay fines as high as $50,000 and spend the rest of your life in prison per RCW §9A.32.060.

Alternatively, you could be charged with vehicular homicide under RCW §46.61.520. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol and caused a fatal accident, you could be prosecuted for a class A felony. This means you could still be facing life in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

Challenging Manslaughter Charges in Tacoma

While determining which defense is most suitable for your case, your Tacoma manslaughter defense attorney with Puget Law Group can help you while you are preparing for a criminal trial. Countless possible defenses may apply depending on how the alleged victim was killed. Some of the top defenses against manslaughter charges include:

• Accidental death
• Defense of others
• Insanity
• Insufficient evidence
• Self-defense
• Wrongfully accused

In some instances, you may want to avoid trial. The prosecutor may be willing to work with you by offering a plea. Depending on your criminal record and the strength of the state’s case against you, it may be in your best interest to either accept a plea agreement or work with your Tacoma homicide defense lawyer and take your chances in court.

Tacoma Manslaughter Defense FAQ

What Is the Maximum Amount of Time Manslaughter Charges Can Be Filed?

Manslaughter charges can be filed at any time. Unlike many other types of misdemeanors and felonies, there is no statute of limitations for manslaughter in the state of Washington, according to RCW §9A.04.080. This means that even if the case is initially closed if it is reopened decades later, you could still be charged criminally.

When Is Manslaughter Eligible for Expungement?

Unfortunately, if you are convicted of first or second-degree manslaughter, you will not be eligible for expungement. If you were arrested but manslaughter charges were never filed, your record could be expunged. You may also be eligible for expungement if you were charged with manslaughter but were found not guilty or the charges against you were dismissed.

However, according to RCW §9.94A.640, it may be possible to get a lesser felony conviction vacated. This would remove the conviction from both state and federal background checks. To qualify, you must be crime-free for five to 10 years, depending on the class of your felony conviction, have no previous convictions on your record, and not be facing any new charges or convictions since you were convicted of the felony offense in question.

Will I Be Denied Bail if I Am Charged with Manslaughter?

In most criminal cases, bail can be granted to anyone who has not been charged with a capital crime. A capital crime is one where there is a presumption of guilt, or the proof of guilt is clear. Since your charges do not involve malice aforethought, it is more likely that bail could be granted.

However, several factors will be taken into consideration. If the judge finds that you are a threat to the community, you have a long criminal history, or there is a risk that you will not appear at your next court date, they could deny bail altogether.

If a manslaughter defense lawyer in Tacoma can demonstrate that you have strong relationships and community ties and are of good moral character, the judge may set bail so you can get home to your family before your next court appearance.

Is There a Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentence for Manslaughter in Tacoma?

If you are found guilty of manslaughter in Washington, there is no mandatory minimum prison sentence. However, there are sentencing guidelines that the judge can use to determine what a reasonable sentence is based on the circumstances of your case.

The sentencing grid, as described by RCW §9.94A.510, takes several factors into account, including your criminal history, the severity of the crime, and other aggravating or mitigating factors.

Can Criminal Charges Be Stacked in Washington State?

Yes, district attorneys have the authority to stack criminal charges. Per CrRLJ 4.3, this is commonly known as a “joinder of offenses.” Often, this happens when charges overlap.

One of the most dangerous risks that come with charge joinders is the potential for a consecutive sentence. This means you would be required to complete the terms of each sentence one after another instead of concurrently. You could spend substantially more time in jail or prison if you are ordered to complete your terms consecutively.

Get Help from a Powerful Manslaughter Defense Lawyer in Tacoma, WA Today

Causing someone else’s death will permanently alter the course of your life. If you are found guilty in court, your entire future could be taken from you. It has never been more important to advocate for your freedoms.

Do not risk spending the rest of your life in prison. Turn to a top-rated manslaughter defense attorney in Tacoma, WA from Puget Law Group for help clearing your name of the charges against you. Explore potential defense options further when you contact us by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.