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Manslaughter Lawyers in Commerce, GA

Manslaughter is defined as killing another person without premeditation or even the intent to kill. Manslaughter charges must be taken seriously since the state will pursue all avenues to gather evidence establishing your culpability. If you have been accused of manslaughter in Georgia, you may be facing time behind bars and/or steep fines. Even if you believe the government’s case is weak, you may be jeopardizing your well-being if you do not seek experienced counsel.

At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, LLP, our violent crime lawyers in Commerce are the premier firm for defending manslaughter charges. We have helped hundreds of clients preserve their freedom and are ready to use our knowledge to your advantage.

Manslaughter Lawyers Providing Aggressive Counsel

Our Commerce manslaughter attorneys offer our clients the following advantages:

Murder vs. Manslaughter in GA

Murder

Georgia recognizes a distinct difference between murder and manslaughter charges. Under Georgia law, murder is charged as a felony and may apply in any of the following circumstances:

A first-degree murder conviction may result in life in prison without parole or the death penalty, while second-degree murder may result in a sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison. 

In contrast, whereas manslaughter is the killing of a human being, unlike murder, it does not require malice aforethought. In Georgia, manslaughter may be classified as either:

Voluntary Manslaughter

Under Ga. Code §16-5-2, a person commits voluntary manslaughter when he or she is provoked, acting with “violent, sudden, or irresistible passion.” This could occur if you come home and see your spouse having sexual relations with another person, causing voluntary manslaughter to be charged simultaneously with domestic violence crimes. A person convicted under the law may be sentenced to up to 20 years. 

Involuntary Manslaughter

Under Georgia law, a person commits involuntary manslaughter in killing someone during the commission of an illegal act other than a felony or unlawfully performing a legal act. 

Prosecution under the law will depend on the circumstances. If the defendant caused someone’s death during the commission of an illegal act, the individual may be sentenced to one to ten years in jail. If a lawful act was committed in an unlawful manner, the crime may be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison. 

Manslaughter Attorneys in Commerce Fight for Your Rights

A manslaughter charge can result in decades in prison, exorbitant fines, and the loss of precious time with family. If you are facing homicide allegations, our Commerce manslaughter lawyers understand the seriousness of what is at stake. If you are looking for experienced and compassionate counsel, Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, LLP, is the right choice. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call (770) 887-1209 to set up your initial consultation.