Fredericksburg Manslaughter Lawyer

Navigating Manslaughter Charges With Expert Legal Guidance

At Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, we recognize the gravity of manslaughter charges and are committed to providing expert legal representation in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas. With a wealth of experience and a track record of successful outcomes, our firm stands as a beacon of support for those facing manslaughter allegations.   

Call Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, today at (540) 386-0204 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our manslaughter attorney in Fredericksburg! 

What Is Considered Manslaughter in Virginia? 

In Virginia, manslaughter is not explicitly defined in our criminal statute but includes cases where there has been the unintended loss of life due to the actions of the accused. Even when the "involuntary" version of this offense is charged, it is still considered a serious felony that can result in significant penalties. If you have been accused of this violent crime, then the time to start developing a compelling defense is now.

What is the Difference Between Voluntary & Involuntary Manslaughter? 

• Voluntary manslaughter is charged when it is believed that the defendant killed someone unlawfully, such as when engaged in "mutual combat" or acting in response to provocation.
• Involuntary manslaughter is charged when a defendant is suspected to have killed someone accidentally during an unlawful (but non-felonious) act, or while improperly performing a lawful act. Both forms of manslaughter are considered Class 5 felonies in Virginia and can yield the same penalties if a conviction is reached.  

What Are the Penalties for Manslaughter? 

Manslaughter can result in:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $2,500 in fines

As you can see, there's a lot of latitude to these penalties and a judge and jury will decide how seriously to punish the accused given the circumstances of the incident in question. That is why it is so crucial to have proven defense counsel by your side while facing these charges. My firm and I are ready to stand with you during this process, assert your rights, and diligently seek a reduction or dismissal on your behalf.  

Defenses Against Manslaughter Charges 

Mounting a solid defense is pivotal when facing manslaughter charges. Our legal team at Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, is adept at exploring various defenses tailored to the specific circumstances of each case:

• Self-Defense: Demonstrating that the accused acted to protect themselves from imminent harm can be a viable defense strategy.
• Lack of Intent: Establishing that the act was not intentional and lacked criminal intent can be a crucial defense.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence and demonstrating its insufficiency can weaken the case against the accused.
• Accident or Mistake: Proving that the death resulted from an unfortunate accident or mistake rather than criminal negligence can be a persuasive defense.
• Provocation: In cases of voluntary manslaughter, establishing that the accused acted in the heat of passion due to provocation can mitigate charges.

Our seasoned legal team meticulously examines the details of each case to identify the most effective defense strategy tailored to the unique circumstances surrounding the allegations.  

Contact Our Fredericksburg Manslaughter Attorney Today

Navigating manslaughter charges demands strategic legal expertise and a nuanced understanding of Virginia's legal landscape. At Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, we bring experience to each case, offering a steadfast commitment to protecting our clients' rights. If you or a loved one is facing manslaughter charges in Fredericksburg, trust our skilled legal team to provide the advocacy and representation needed for the best possible outcome. Our priority is your future, and we are dedicated to crafting a robust defense tailored to your circumstances.  

Contact Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, today to schedule a meeting with our manslaughter lawyer in Fredericksburg!