Manslaughter (Involuntary/Voluntary)

In many cases, Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter are charged rather than a Murder due to facts specific to the incident. The penalties between Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter vary greatly, as do the time you will actually serve on each sentence.

In South Carolina, Voluntary Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a person in the sudden heat of passion upon sufficient legal provocation. Both heat of passion and sufficient legal provocation must be present at the time of killing. Voluntary manslaughter carries a minimum penalty of two years and a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison.

Involuntary manslaughter is defined as either: 1) the unintentional killing of another without malice, but while engaged in an unlawful activity not naturally tending to cause death or great bodily harm; or 2) the unintentional killing of another without malice, while engaged in lawful activity with reckless disregard for the safety of others. The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is five years.

If you or a loved one is charged with either Voluntary or Involuntary Manslaughter, please contact us today.

The South Carolina statutes regarding Manslaughter can be reviewed here.