Manslaughter Defense in Lexington, KY
What Is Manslaughter in Kentucky?
Manslaughter is a type of violent crime. It is a less serious offense than murder but more serious than a property crime. Manslaughter involves the death of another person and is usually a result of recklessness or criminal negligence.
If you've been charged with manslaughter, you need the help of a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Lexington. At Oakley & Oakley, we have helped many clients fight for their freedom. Your future and your freedom depend on it.
Call (859) 712-7365 right now for a free case review. Our attorneys are available 24/7.
What Are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Kentucky?
The penalties for a conviction of manslaughter in Kentucky depend on the circumstances of the offense. If you are convicted of the offense, you may face:
- A Class B felony, punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison, if the victim was a police officer, firefighter, EMT, corrections officer, or judge
- A Class C felony, punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison, if the victim was a police officer, firefighter, EMT, corrections officer, or judge
- A Class D felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, if the victim was a first or second-degree relative
- A Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, if the victim was a third-degree relative
In addition to prison or jail time, a manslaughter conviction may also result in fines and restitution. You may be required to pay restitution to the victim's family or to the family of the victim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Manslaughter in Kentucky?
A violent crime such as manslaughter has a statute of limitations of five years. This means that the state must bring charges within five years of the offense. However, if you have been charged with a murder, the state may wait until the last victim dies before charging you.
What Are Some Common Defenses for Manslaughter Charges?
There are several defenses that may apply to your manslaughter charge. The defenses will depend on the specific facts of your case. However, some of the most common defenses to a manslaughter charge include:
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- Defense of property
- Accident
You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer right away if you have been charged with a violent crime. Our firm has decades of experience defending clients against manslaughter charges. We know the system and we know how to fight for our clients.
Contact Our Firm for a Free Case Review
If you have been charged with a violent crime, you need a criminal defense lawyer. At Oakley & Oakley, we are ready to help you fight for your freedom. We are ready to help you fight for your freedom. We are ready to help you fight for your freedom. We are ready to help you fight for your freedom.
Call (859) 712-7365 to schedule your free case review. We are available 24/7.
Have a Question?
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Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer During a Free Consultation
When you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, it can be challenging to know what you are looking for. Obviously, you want your lawyer to be experienced, attentive, and personable. After all, who you hire matters. That is why it is so important you are prepared when you meet with an attorney for a free consultation. Knowing which questions to ask and what answers to look for can help you weed out the lawyers who might not be a good fit and zero in on the attorneys who will do an excellent job defending you. But many people who are in search of a lawyer are doing so for the first time. They have never been arrested or summoned to a courtroom before. Knowing where to even begin can be stressful in and of itself. To help you navigate the challenging process of hiring the right lawyer, here are several questions you might want to ask during a free consultation.
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Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer if I Shoot Someone Who Breaks Into My House?
If someone breaks into your home, the use of deadly force could be justifiable under Kentucky’s self-defense laws and the Castle Doctrine. However, there are exceptions in which the use of deadly force could result in an arrest for assault, homicide, or manslaughter.
It is wise to understand your legal rights to avoid a weapons charge or murder charge, especially if you own a gun to protect yourself and your family from intruders.
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How Your Criminal History Could Affect Your Current Case
Your prior brushes with the law can have an enormous influence on your life. Once you pay your fines or serve jail time, you will likely have to face the additional collateral consequences of your conviction. Having a criminal conviction can prevent you from getting desirable jobs and living where you would like. What’s worse, your criminal history can influence a prosecutor’s decisions about new charges and can result in harsher punishments for subsequent convictions. If you have legal questions about a current criminal case, seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
