Involuntary Manslaughter – California Penal Code Section 192(b)

Under California Penal Code Section 192(b), involuntary manslaughter is charged in situations where a killing occurs through unlawful acts (that do not rise to the level of a felony) or when a lawful but dangerous act is committed in a manner that is criminally negligent (e.g., without due caution or circumspection). Because the victim is killed unintentionally, involuntary manslaughter charges are less severe compared to murder or voluntary manslaughter, but it is still a serious crime in California.

To be convicted of involuntary manslaughter, the prosecution must prove that your actions resulted in the death of a human being, and that the killing was unlawful. A killing is deemed unlawful if you were engaged in any crime that was dangerous to human life because of the way in which it was committed, or if you were engaged in a dangerous but otherwise lawful act without due caution or circumspection. This lack of caution or circumspection is also referred to as criminal negligence.

Involuntary manslaughter is a felony offense that is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for up to four years. A conviction may also bring with it formal probation and a maximum fine of $10,000.

A defendant facing involuntary manslaughter charges can raise certain defenses through the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a criminal defense attorney can argue the justifiability of the killing or the reasonableness of your conduct under the circumstances.

An involuntary manslaughter felony is a serious offense in California, and if you are faced with such a charge, it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in helping clients successfully defend against involuntary manslaughter charges. Call us today at 888-749-0034. We will be there for you when you call.