Facing a manslaughter charge is extremely serious and you need expert representation from manslaughter solicitors with experience in handling this type of case, as potential sentences can be substantial.
At David W Harris & Co, we hold the Law Society’s criminal litigation accreditation in recognition of the high standards of legal advice and client service we provide. Our team includes lawyers with advocacy rights and higher advocacy rights, meaning we have the expertise to represent clients in court where necessary.
If you are being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter, you are being charged with manslaughter, or you have been asked to attend a police station interview, you need to secure expert representation from criminal solicitors for manslaughter cases straightaway.
Our team can ensure you have the defence you need, protecting your rights and providing you with clear advice and guidance. To speak to us immediately, call us now using our emergency 24-hour service.
Criminal Defence Emergency Contact
For our Swansea 24/7 service, please call 07496 697906.
For our Rhondda Cynon Taff 24/7 service, please call 07572 746303.
Our manslaughter services include:
- Representation at the police station
- Obtaining evidence
- Providing advice on strategy
- Preparing a defence
- Representation during the court process
- Appealing against a manslaughter conviction
Contact our manslaughter solicitors in South Wales
To speak to one of our manslaughter lawyers in South Wales, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Talbot Green or Swansea. Alternatively, please use our contact form on the right-hand side of the page.
Our manslaughter services
Representation at the police station
If you have been detained and are due to be interviewed at the police station, it is essential to have expert representation. Our team includes accredited police station representatives who can advise you of your rights, ensure that the police do not exceed their authority and stay by your side throughout the process.
Obtaining evidence
We will make sure that we are provided with all of the evidence available to the police and also carry out our own enquiries to secure documents, video footage and CCTV coverage of the incident in support of your defence.
Providing advice on strategy
We have many years of experience in dealing with the most serious criminal allegations, including manslaughter charges, and we will provide you with an honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
We will discuss strategy and the options available to you in dealing with any indictment, including any defences that may be available to you.
Preparing a defence
Our team are known for their meticulous attention to detail. We will look at your defence and ensure that we have all possible evidence in support of your position, asking experts to provide reports and testimony where necessary.
We will put together a robust case for court and ensure that you have the preparation you need to defend yourself.
Representation during the court process
You will be represented in court by an experienced manslaughter defence advocate. We will make sure that you have our support and guidance and we will work with you throughout the trial to ensure that your side of the case is put forward effectively.
Appealing against a manslaughter conviction
If you have been convicted of manslaughter, we can go through your case and advise you as to any possible grounds you have for an appeal.
Manslaughter FAQs
What is manslaughter?
Manslaughter in UK law is the unlawful killing of someone when the perpetrator did not intend to kill or cannot be held responsible for their actions.
Where the prosecution believes that they can show an intention to kill or commit grievous bodily harm and the accused is responsible for their actions, the charge is likely to be one of murder.
There are two different types of manslaughter:
- Voluntary manslaughter, and
- Involuntary manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when the accused had the intention to kill someone or to cause them grievous bodily harm, but the accused either:
- Had diminished responsibility
- Faced severe provocation which caused a loss of control or
- Acted as part of a suicide pact with the deceased.
Diminished responsibility can result from either a medical condition or abnormal mental capacity. A loss of control needs to be a provocation that would cause a reasonable person in the same circumstances to lose control.
What is involuntary manslaughter?
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when the perpetrator has no intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm to the victim.
The legal definition of manslaughter in the UK provides for two main classes of involuntary manslaughter:
- Unlawful act manslaughter, and
- Gross negligence manslaughter
Unlawful act manslaughter occurs when someone is killed because the accused carried out an unlawful or dangerous act that a reasonable individual would realise carried a risk of physical harm. Examples include a single punch killing, where someone dies as a result of being hit once, or an assault during a robbery.
The law on manslaughter provides that gross negligence manslaughter occurs when the perpetrator breaches a duty of care towards the victim and the perpetrator’s conduct is so negligent that it amounts to a criminal act. It includes negligent failures on the part of employers or medical personnel that cause someone’s death.
A third type of gross negligence manslaughter is corporate manslaughter when an organisation is charged with an offence.
What are defences to manslaughter?
Defences to manslaughter include:
- Self-defence
- Accident
- Lack of causation
The defence to manslaughter of loss of control may be used if someone is accused of murder. If accepted, it can reduce a conviction to one of manslaughter. The circumstances will then be taken into account by the judge when the sentence is decided.
If the defence of self-defence is used, it will be necessary to show that the force used was necessary, reasonable and proportionate. The attack the perpetrator was facing must have been imminent. The attack could also be on their property or on another person.
How long do you get for manslaughter?
Sentences for manslaughter can vary widely. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment, although this is rarely imposed. Typically, manslaughter sentences range from between two and ten years.
In deciding on a sentence, the court will take a range of factors into account, including the level of culpability, aggravating factors and mitigating circumstances.
Contact our manslaughter solicitors in South Wales
If you are facing a potential manslaughter charge or a police investigation into manslaughter, contact us today.
To speak to one of our manslaughter lawyers in South Wales, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Talbot Green or Swansea. Alternatively, please use our contact form on the right-hand side of the page.