Involuntary Manslaughter Charges and Penalties in Michigan

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.

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.

Read the lack of details of the law here

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