Criminal defence lawyer for manslaughter

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Criminal defence lawyer for manslaughter

Criminal Defence lawyer for manslaughter

We specialise in all forms of criminal defense and have particular success in cases where our client is accused of manslaughter

How we can help you with murder and manslaughter charges

We can support you fully if you have been charged with either murder or manslaughter. This includes full legal advice and support at all police interviews throughout your custody. We work with the very best criminal barristers in London should the case go to court to gain an optimum outcome for our clients. For full and frank advice on criminal law and litigation contact our Criminal Legal Defence team.

What is the definition of manslaughter?

“The crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or in circumstances not amounting to murder”

The offence of manslaughter is somewhat complicated, particularly because of its close relationship to the offence of murder. The act or a failure to act that results in the death of another person is considered to be a “homicide”. Homicides are then divided into two categories; murder and manslaughter.

While manslaughter is considered to be the less serious of the two homicide offences it is still considered to be one of the most serious criminal offences.  Although manslaughter is classed as a singular offence it is usually broken down into two categories voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.

Voluntary manslaughter is the killing of a person without prior intent, but which happens during the “heat of passion.” Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing of a person by someone who has no spite or anger, and who has no intent to kill the victim.

Examples of manslaughter include:

  • Punching someone who falls and hits their head on concrete, causing them to die;
  • Not bothering to secure the scaffolding on a house resulting in the death of your apprentice

Contact us for help

Call or complete our form to discuss a criminal litigation defence

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Being arrested

If you’re arrested, you’ll usually be taken to a police station, held in custody in a cell and then questioned. If you are charged with a crime you will be given a ‘charge sheet’. This sets out the details of the crime you are being charged with.

The police will decide if you:

  • can go home until the court hearing – but may have to follow certain rules, known as ‘bail’
  • are kept in police custody until you are taken to court for your hearing

Your first court hearing after you are charged with a crime will usually be at a Magistrate’s Court even if your trial will be at a Crown Court later on.

Common defences

  • To maintain your innocence if you did not commit the act
  • To argue that you did not do an act or did not fail to act
  • To argue that you did not cause the death of the person
  • To argue that you were not grossly negligent
  • To raise self defence, necessity or duress as the reason for your conduct

Your rights

The custody officer at the police station are bound to explain your rights.

You have the right to:

  • get free legal advice
  • tell someone where you are
  • have medical help if you’re feeling ill
  • see the rules the police must follow

The police can hold you for up to 24 hours before they have to charge you with a crime or release you.

The police can release you on police bail if there’s not enough evidence to charge you. You don’t have to pay to be released on police bail, but you’ll have to return to the station for further questioning when asked.

“For legal advice for a criminal defence contact our expert Criminal Litigation team.”

William Morrison – Senior Criminal Law Specialist