Can Manslaughter Charges be Expunged from your Record?
It is safe to say that facing manslaughter charges is one of the most distressing and unpleasant experiences imaginable, and the penalties can extend far beyond those handed down by the court. The repercussions can follow you for life, impacting your business and job prospects, family life, and more. With this in mind, it is no wonder that many people ask whether manslaughter charges can be expunged from your record.
In this brief article, a Tampa manslaughter defense lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm shares a few important details to understand about manslaughter charges and whether you could be forced to carry them for life, if convicted.
Types of Manslaughter
Before we can discuss whether you can get a manslaughter charge removed from your record, we must first address the types of manslaughter and the legal definition of manslaughter. In Florida, manslaughter is the act of killing without malice or forethought. There are three types of manslaughter:
- Voluntary Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation. It is the type of killing where a person is provoked by a circumstance that causes them to react unreasonably due to the mental or emotional disturbance of a specific event. Like second degree murder, this is considered a crime of passion. An example of this would be killing someone for molesting a child.
- Involuntary Manslaughter is also the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation; however, the murder is due to recklessness, criminal activity, or negligence. An example of this would be killing someone while texting and driving.
- DUI Manslaughter is the unlawful direct or indirect killing of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Can Manslaughter be Expunged or Sealed?
What to Do if Charged with Manslaughter
Being charged with manslaughter sounds like something that would never happen to you, but in reality you may be charged with manslaughter due to an accident or through no fault of your own. If this is the case, it is crucial to hire an experienced Tampa manslaughter defense attorney who can help you navigate the best defense for your unique case and who can help you understand your legal rights from arrest through trial.
If you or a loved one are facing manslaughter charges, you don’t have to face them alone. Contact a Tampa manslaughter defense attorney with The Rickman Law Firm. We have years of experience working with cases just like yours and will be able to pursue all necessary evidence and witnesses to obtain a favorable outcome. Our attorneys will not only look into the event, but will also examine the arrest to determine if your rights were violated.
For a free consultation with a Tampa manslaughter defense attorney, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.