Serving Santa Clara County

Please contact us to schedule a consultation. We offer appointments via phone, video, or in person.

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

Voluntary manslaughter arises when a person is suddenly provoked and kills another person in the heat of the moment. This person may kill intentionally, but the emotional context of the moment prevented them from being able to fully control their behavior. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when one person’s reckless disregard of risk results in another person’s death.