Manslaughter Charges in Creek County are divided into different degrees. When an action ends in the death of someone, it can lead to homicide charges. An intentional act that leads to someone’s death can be charged as murder or manslaughter. Manslaughter is generally an impulsive murder or an inadvertent murder, where there is no plan ahead of time for the death to occur. In Oklahoma, the laws generally separates manslaughter into two degrees, though vehicular manslaughter can be a separate charge.

First Degree Manslaughter Charges

First-degree manslaughter charges in Creek County occur when someone kills someone else unintentionally killed, but where the death is not justifiable. “Heat of passion” cases where the accused kills someone else because of high emotions at the time will fall under first-degree manslaughter. Our criminal defense attorneys provide other examples including killing someone inadvertently while committing a misdemeanor crime or using deadly force when not needed to prevent a crime. If the court determines that the death was justifiable when it occurred, however, the accused will not face first-degree manslaughter charges. If the court convicts the accused of first-degree manslaughter charges, they face a felony charge punishable by up to four years in prison.

Second Degree Manslaughter Charges

Any homicide charges that don’t fit under a different charge will fall under second-degree manslaughter charges. This charge has an intentionally broad definition, as to use it to prosecute those who have caused the death of someone else in cases that would not fall under murder, justifiable homicide, negligent homicide, first-degree manslaughter, or other potential homicide-related charges. It can also be of use if the facts surrounding a case could lead to higher charges, but there is not enough evidence to ensure the conviction of the accused. Someone accused of second-degree manslaughter faces a felony that could be punishable by between one and four years in jail or prison.

Vehicular Manslaughter Charges

In Oklahoma, vehicle manslaughter charges in Creek County don’t generally fall under first or second-degree manslaughter charges, but it can in certain instances. Someone who causes the death of another person while driving a vehicle will generally face vehicular manslaughter charges as a result. Examples of this could include distracted driving or running a red light and hitting a pedestrian as a result. For these cases, the crime is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. If, however, the death occurred as a result of drinking and driving or similar circumstances, the accused could face a first-degree manslaughter charge, which is a felony.

With the exception of some vehicular manslaughter cases, someone charged with manslaughter is facing a felony and a potentially significant time in prison. The penalties for a felony conviction, even after serving a sentence, can be severe because the accused stands to lose some of their rights. If you are accused of manslaughter, speak with a lawyer today to start getting help defending against the charges. Depending on the facts of your case, there may be a lot they can do to help you avoid a felony conviction or a significant amount of time in jail.

Creek County Criminal Attorneys

If you find that criminal charges are against you in Oklahoma, our Creek County attorneys can help you. Criminal charges are the most stressful types of cases a person can have against them. Our attorneys have years of experience helping people just like you.