Suffolk County Manslaughter Defense Lawyers

Manslaughter is a serious crime, and a conviction can have life-altering consequences. Someone who is convicted of this crime could spend years incarcerated, pay thousands of dollars in fines, serve probation, lose their license, and much more. On this page, you will find information about how the state of Massachusetts defines manslaughter and the penalties for it. 

If you are facing manslaughter charges, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. Our Suffolk County manslaughter defense attorneys have the experience and acumen it takes to handle these high-stakes cases. With our veteran lawyers on your side, you can feel confident knowing your case is in good hands. 

To find out what we can offer you, call (877) 444-1098 or send us a message online. 

How Does Massachusetts Define Manslaughter?

Under Massachusetts law, manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought. 

There are two categories of manslaughter in Massachusetts:

Voluntary 

This is when a person kills another after being provoked into the “heat of passion.” With this offense, the legitimacy of the provocation, the amount of force a person used to defend themselves, and the state’s mutual combat law are all key. Judges will account for these factors when determining penalties. 

Involuntary

This is when a person unintentionally causes another’s death by engaging in reckless or wanton behavior. Driving at excessive speeds or under the influence of alcohol or drugs are examples of this type of behavior. To this point, vehicular manslaughter often falls under the involuntary category. It is an offense that can result in thousands of dollars in fines and months to years in jail.