Manslaughter

Chapter 782 of the Florida Statutes defines the crime of manslaughter. If you have been charged with manslaughter, the State must prove that you caused the death of another either by an intentional act, by procuring or causing the act that killed the victim, or that the death was caused by your culpable negligence. Unlike murder, the State does not have to prove that you intended to kill anyone, only that you intended the act that caused the death. A common example is DUI Manslaughter. A person charged with this crime did not intend to kill anyone, but they did intend to drive while intoxicated which is the act that caused the death. Manslaughter can become Aggravated Manslaughter if the deceased is an elderly person, a minor, or a first responder which raises the crime from a second degree felony to a first degree felony. If you have been charged with manslaughter or could be charged with manslaughter, you should contact an experienced attorney at our firm immediately.