Minnesota Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
Manslaughter is still a serious offense in Minnesota. A manslaughter conviction can carry a lengthy prison sentence, large fines, and long probationary periods. To challenge this charge, having an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.
Carson J. Heefner has over 20 years experience representing clients charged with various crimes, including manslaughter. He devises strategic defenses that are designed to get the best result, allowing the defendant to move on with their life much sooner than they would otherwise.
Defense Against Manslaughter Charges
Under Minnesota law, Manslaughter is a Felony, and the maximum punishment depends on the level of offense.
First Degree Manslaughter
Under Minn.Stat. 609.20, a person will be charged with First Degree Manslaughter under the following circumstances:
- Intentionally causes the death of another person in the heat of passion. This offense carries a mandatory sentence of 86 months in prison
- Commits an assault and causes the death of another person, or causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offense with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm was reasonably foreseeable. This offense carries a mandatory 86-month prison sentence.
- Intentionally causes the death of another person because the actor is coerced by threats, which causes the actor to reasonably believe that causing death is the only means of preventing imminent death to the actor or another. This offense carries a mandatory penalty of 48 months in prison
- Causes the death of another by directly or indirectly selling or giving away a schedule III, IV or V Controlled Substance. This offense carries a mandatory sentence of 48 months in prison.
- Causes the death of a child while committing or attempting to commit Malicious Punishment of a Child offense. This offense carries a mandatory 86 months in prison.
Second Degree Manslaughter
Under Minn.Stat. 609.205, a person will be charged with Second Degree Manslaughter under the following circumstances:
- Causes the death of another by culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk and consciously takes a chance of causing death or bodily harm to another. This offenses carries a mandatory 48 months in prison.
- Causes the death of another by shooting someone as a result of negligently believing the other is a deer or other animal. This offense carries a stayed sentence of one year and one day.
- Causes the death of another by setting a spring gun, pitfall, deadfall, snare or other like dangerous weapon or device. This offense carries a stayed sentence of one year and one day.
- Causes the death of another by negligently permitting any animal, known by the person to have vicious propensities, to run uncontrolled. This offense carries a stayed sentence of one year and one day.
- Causes the death of a child by committing or attempting to commit child neglect or child endangerment. This offense carries a mandatory 48 months in prison
Contact Attorney Carson J. Heefner Today
Carson J. Heefner has over 20 years experience representing individuals charged with various Manslaughter offenses. If you or someone you know has been charged with any level of Manslaughter, contact Carson at 612-202-8971 or carson@heefnerlaw.com for a free consultation.