Involuntary Manslaughter Charges and Penalties in Michigan
Here’s things you should to know
What is Involuntary Manslaughter in Michigan?
Involuntary manslaughter differs from murder in that it lacks intent to kill.
In Michigan, it is somewhat defined as the killing of another person through:
- Recklessness: This involves acting with a conscious disregard for a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the act will cause death or serious physical harm.
- Gross negligence: This refers to a failure to use even the slightest care that a reasonable person would use in similar circumstances.
- Commission of a misdemeanor: This means unintentionally causing death while committing another crime, even a minor one.
Involuntary manslaughter distinguishes itself from voluntary manslaughter based on the intent of the alleged offender.
The broad differentiating factor lies in whether the accused intended to cause severe physical harm to the victim, as seen in cases of voluntary manslaughter.
Conversely, in cases of involuntary manslaughter, the accused is alleged to have caused the victim’s death without malice or intent.
A conviction of voluntary manslaughter can arise when the accused did not have the intention to cause serious bodily harm to the victim but exhibited a significant lack of care in their behavior towards the victim’s safety.
The determining factor between these two homicide offenses is typically the presence of intent.
What are the penalties?
- Up to 15 years in prison: The exact sentence depends on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity of the recklessness or negligence and the presence of aggravating factors.
- Fine of up to $7,500: This financial penalty adds to the significant burden faced by those convicted.
Charged with Homicide, Second Degree Murder, Manslaughter?
Call our office to see if we can help
Komorn Law 248-357-2550
Additional Consequences:
Beyond the legal penalties, a conviction for involuntary manslaughter can have lasting consequences, including:
- Loss of employment or professional licenses: Many professions have strict ethical codes that may prohibit employing individuals with criminal records.
- Difficulty obtaining housing or loans: Background checks often reveal criminal convictions, making it harder to secure housing or loans.
- Social stigma: The emotional and social impact of a conviction can be significant, leading to isolation and judgment.

Related Articles
Public Defenders in Michigan – Qualifications and What They Do
Note: This is what they are supposed to do. Whether they give a damn about you and the outcome is up to the individual attorneyWhat it is supposed to beIn Michigan, public defenders play a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing legal representation to...
New Michigan Laws Going Into Effect 2025
Making laws as fast as possible. Look over here...Not over there.Some of Michigan's new laws in 2025 include minimum wage increases, paid sick time, and automatic voter registration. Minimum wage The minimum wage in Michigan increased to $10.56 per hour on January 1,...
Whitmer’s $3B plan to fix Michigan’s roads calls for more taxes
Same Thing - Different DayWhitmer's $3B plan to fix Michigan roads calls for more corporate, marijuana taxes, taxes at the pump and you can just imagine the ones you don't know about.Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced a comprehensive three billion...
Qualifying for a Public Defender in Michigan
In Michigan, individuals charged with a crime have the constitutional right to legal representation.In Michigan, individuals charged with a crime have the constitutional right to legal representation. For those unable to afford a private attorney, the state provides...
More Posts

Former 3M scientist who made unsettling PFAS discovery says bosses deceived her
Gee - What a surprise... When a former 3M scientist discovered the company’s chemicals were in human blood in the general population, she says her bosses misled her to believe it was harmless.3M accused of deceiving its own scientist about PFAS in human blood Hansen...

Drones – What Drones?
Jersey cops launched into the night sky with catapults to throw dreamcatchers at the unknown drones to entangle their props and bring em down! Just kidding - I think.Darrr.. What drones? Those drones pose no threat there are no drones. That's just a balloon,...

Cash For Kids Judge Pardoned (The Kickback Club)
Biden’s commutation for Judge in ‘kids for cash’ scandal should anger the entire universe.Biden’s commutation in ‘kids for cash’ scandal. BY MICHAEL RUBINKAMUpdated 5:32 PM EST, December 13, 2024A judge implicated in one of the most notorious judicial scandals in U.S....

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Don't do the crime - if you can't pay the price.Average Flat Fees. Some criminal defense attorneys charge a flat fee for certain types of cases, instead of billing by the hour. This may or may not include filing fees, motions, fees, etc. Flat fees include: DUI/DWI –...

What do you do when you are pulled over for suspected DUI?
If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving you are probably going to be arrested. The less you say - the better off you are in the long run. If you find yourself being pulled over for suspected DUI, ensure you pull over safely to the roadside, maintain a...

Trump plans – How does Cannabis Business fit in?
You work hard. Now get ready to work harder to prepare to give more.President Biden's administration has proposed the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III drug, which recognizes its medical benefits. This significant...

When Can Police Take Your Dash Cam?
You work hard. Now get ready to work harder to prepare to give more.In Michigan, police can take your dashcam footage in specific situations, primarily when they believe it could serve as evidence in a criminal investigation. Michigan law permits officers to seize...

People who are going to need a Lawyer – November 12, 2024
People who are going to need a LawyerMan so drunk field sobriety tests were ‘too dangerous’ sentenced to life in prison for repeated DWI convictions‘Several terabytes’: Diddy prosecutors shed light on ‘voluminous’ discovery, including iCloud accounts and dozens of...

Cambridge Analytica data breach comes before court
Oral arguments in Facebook v. Amalgamated Bank will beginThe justices are set to review securities law as they hear arguments in a significant case linked to the 2015 data breach involving Cambridge Analytica and Facebook. The tech giant’s effort to fend off federal...

Search and Seizure – Consent or Plain view
The Fourth Amendment was established to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, yet there are exceptions.In Michigan, understanding the concepts of search and seizure, particularly regarding consent and plain view, is crucial for both law...