Should You Plead Guilty to Manslaughter Charges?

3 years ago by Brian

In some instances, you may be able to assert a legal defense to a manslaughter charge. If the evidence against you is strong, you might consider pleading guilty to the charge. In doing so, however, you give up certain legal rights, including the right to a jury trial.

The State of Minnesota recognizes first and second-degree manslaughter. First-degree manslaughter is typically regarded as ‘heat-of-passion’ manslaughter, where someone kills another person while reacting to a shocking or surprising circumstance. Second-degree manslaughter charges usually come about when one person’s reckless or grossly negligent behavior results in another person’s death. 

The decision of whether to plead guilty to a manslaughter charge is case-specific. The Woodbury manslaughter lawyers at JS Defense, PA., can help you decide whether it would be in your best interest to plead guilty to a Minnesota manslaughter charge under the circumstances of your case. Please give us a call today to find out more about how we can assist you throughout your criminal legal matter.

Deciding Whether to Plead Guilty

The decision about whether to plead guilty to a manslaughter charge often depends upon the evidence against you and the defenses that you may have available to you. In some cases, you may be able to defend strongly on grounds of mistaken identity, alibi, or some other defense. However, if the chances of succeeding on a particular defense at trial are minimal and/or if the state has convincing evidence against you, then you might consider pleading guilty to the charge. You may also want to consider pleading guilty if the prosecutor is willing to offer you a favorable plea deal in exchange for your guilty plea. 

Consequences of Pleading Guilty to a Manslaughter Charge

Pleading guilty to a criminal manslaughter charge, like any other guilty plea, has consequences. If you plead guilty, you will be giving up your constitutional right to a jury trial and letting a jury decide the outcome of your case. You also give up your appeal rights. 

Before you enter a guilty plea to a manslaughter charge, the judge will make sure that you understand what you are doing, that no one has coerced you, and that you are making the guilty plea freely, voluntarily, and without coercion. A knowledgeable manslaughter lawyer can help you decide whether pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge is the best option under your unique circumstances. 

Call a Woodbury Manslaughter Lawyer about Your Legal Matter Today

Depending upon the circumstances, pleading guilty to a criminal manslaughter charge may be a good option. However, if you have one or more favorable defenses available to you, it might be worth the risk rolling the dice and taking your case to trial – especially if there is a strong likelihood that a jury might enter a ‘not guilty’ verdict in your case. The legal team at JS Defense, PA., can explore your legal options with you and help you decide on the best option for your case. 

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Woodbury manslaughter attorney, please call us today at (651) 968-9652 or contact us online for more information.