Voluntary manslaughter under California Penal Code 192 (a) is the unlawful killing of a human being “upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion.”

Voluntary manslaughter is a lesser charge than murder because the accused in voluntary manslaughter did not have the malicious intent to commit murder.

Typically, voluntary manslaughter will occur in emotionally stressed situations. For example, when a husband finds out that his wife is cheating on him or a heated argument turns physical.

Voluntary Manslaughter normally arises as a “possible defense” to a charge of murder. When a person is charged with murder the defense will often argue that the charge should be reduced to voluntary manslaughter. In doing so, the defense must establish the following three things:

• You were provoked
• This provocation caused you to act irrationally
• Any reasonable person would have acted the same under similar circumstances

If you have been charged with voluntary manslaughter, it is vital you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. You need to be aware of your legal rights.

Wallin & Klarich has successfully represented clients accused of voluntary manslaughter for over thirty years. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best defense possible.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 and speak with one of our attorneys. We will get through this together.

If you have been charged with voluntary manslaughter, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. The punishment for this crime can be severe.

If charged under section 192 (a) of the California Penal Code, you could face up to three, six, or eleven years in prison. However, the judge does have the discretion to place you on probation.
If the court places you on probation the court can impose as a condition of probation that you spend one year in county jail. If the judge does so you would actually serve 50% of that time due to good time/work time credits.

You will be assigned a probation officer who will make sure that you are complying with the terms of your probation. If you violate any of the terms, the judge can revoke your probation and impose a jail sentence.

You need a competent criminal defense attorney if you want to be placed on probation instead of serving a prison sentence. Wallin & Klarich has successfully defended clients charged with voluntary manslaughter for over thirty years.

Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 to speak with one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys. We will be there when you call.