If the government is alleging you unintentionally caused someone’s death, you need Louisville involuntary manslaughter lawyer Joe Suhre fighting for you. Our Louisville, Kentucky criminal defense lawyers have the resources and aggression that you need to fight for your freedom and future.
Involuntary manslaughter charges are extremely serious. If the government believes you acted wantonly or recklessly and caused the death of another you are facing severe criminal penalties. Once you are charged with a crime, the truth no longer matters to the government – they will stop at nothing to convict you.
That’s where Suhre & Associates comes in. Our collective decades of experience battling in court mean you can rest assured everything that can be done will be done. You deserve aggressive legal representation in the fight of your life. Contact us today for help, call (502) 371-7000.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates as Your Louisville Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Louisville criminal defense lawyer Joe Suhre understands how terrifying it is to be charged with manslaughter. As a Louisville, KY manslaughter lawyer, he knows how to push back against every aspect of the allegations being made against you.
When your future is on the line, you need a team you can trust. Suhre & Associates’ team of experienced criminal defense lawyers includes former prosecutors and police officers. This means we understand how to defend you from the system because we were once a part of it.
When you are accused of manslaughter, you will feel completely alone. You don’t have to feel this way. With our team on your side, you can be sure no stone will be left unturned in the fight to prove your innocence.
Some of the defense strategies that may come up in your involuntary manslaughter case include:
- Proving that your conduct did not rise to the level of wanton or reckless conduct the state must prove
- Fighting to have evidence gathered in violation of the Fourth Amendment thrown out
- Fighting to have incriminating statements gathered in violation of the Fifth Amendment suppressed
- Sending our own investigators out to uncover the truth
- Cross-examining witnesses to uncover inconsistencies
- Negotiating with prosecutors for dismissal or reduction in charges
- Taking your case to trial
Every case is different, and you will need to work closely with your lawyer to determine what strategy is right in the fight for your innocence. If you have been charged with manslaughter, invoke your right to remain silent and call our team for help.
What Does the State Need to Prove in Order to Convict You of Involuntary Manslaughter in Kentucky?
There are three different types of manslaughter in Louisville under Kentucky law. These three ways to be charged with manslaughter are:
- First Degree Manslaughter
- Second Degree Manslaughter
- Reckless Homicide
Each type of manslaughter has different facts that need to be proven in order to convict you. These unique facts are called elements. The state must prove elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
You will need to carefully review the criminal complaint against you with your criminal defense lawyer in order to understand the charges you are facing. These manslaughter charges are described as follows:
- First Degree Manslaughter is charged when someone intends to cause serious physical injury to another and accidentally kills them. It can also be charged when a defendant allegedly abused a child or allowed another to abuse them, causing death.
- Second Degree Manslaughter is charged when a defendant is alleged to have wantonly caused the death of another person. “Wanton” conduct is defined as grossly deviating from the standard of reasonable care while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial, unjustifiable risk. This is commonly charged after a fatal DUI crash, when a child is left in a hot car, or when someone dies from an overdose after buying drugs.
- Reckless homicide is charged when someone is alleged to have recklessly caused the death of another. This statue covers a wide range of conduct. Recklessness is defined under Kentucky law as failing to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk and grossly deviating from the standard of reasonable conduct.
You have probably noticed that none of these statutes require an intent to kill someone. That is the crux of manslaughter charges. You can be convicted of a serious felony crime for accidentally causing the death of another.
Manslaughter statutes are complex, and only your defense attorney can advise you regarding your charges. Contact our team today if you need help.
What are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Kentucky?
| Crime | Classification | Penalty |
| First Degree Manslaughter | Class B Felony | 10 – 20 years prision |
| Second Degree Manslaughter | Class C Felony | 5 – 10 years prision |
| Reckless Homicide | Class D Felony | 1 – 5 years prision |
In addition to these penalties, a felony conviction can come with fines, extended community supervision, and restitution. We understand how severe these penalties are, which is why we will fight to prove your innocence with everything we’ve got.
Contact Suhre & Associates for Help
Suhre & Associates Louisville involuntary manslaughter lawyers are prepared to fight for you with everything we’ve got. Do not risk your freedom hoping prosecutors will drop the case because it was an accident. They won’t.
You need to fight the allegations made against you as hard as you can. Hiring an experienced legal team is the first step towards protecting your future. Contact Suhre & Associates for your free consultation right away.
Visit our Law Office in Louisville, Kentucky
Suhre & Associates, LLC
214 S Clay St A
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 371-7000
