Both manslaughter and murder are very serious charges. Manslaughter is an offence where someone has caused the death of another person, but without intending to kill them or cause them serious harm. Murder is when someone kills another person with the intent to end their life or cause them grievous bodily harm.

Manslaughter can be broken down into two distinct charges:

• Voluntary manslaughter - When a person kills another person with the intent to kill or cause GBH as a result of diminished responsibility or loss of control in the heat of the moment.

• Involuntary manslaughter - Unintentional killing due to gross negligence or due to an unlawful or dangerous act for example causing death by dangerous driving.

• Other forms of manslaughter include corporate manslaughter, where an organisation is held accountable if they fail in their gross duty of care which as a result contributes to the death of an individual.

In terms of penalties for being convicted of manslaughter vs murder, someone found guilty of manslaughter can be sentenced from anywhere from a Community Order to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and various other circumstances.

If you have been arrested or summoned to the police station for questioning in relation to a manslaughter investigation, it's important to access legal expertise as quickly as possible. In this very stressful environment, it can be easy to misspeak or make mistakes that can be taken in a way that you don't intend. With legal assistance, you can have a private discussion with your solicitor before you are interviewed and they will also accompany you during questioning to help protect your interests at this very difficult time.

At Forbes, our criminal defence team are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency legal support if you require assistance at a police station. This service is free of charge as it is covered by the Legal Aid Scheme. You can ask at the police station for a Forbes solicitor to attend.

If you are charged with manslaughter, your solicitor will advise you, on one or more of the below partial or full defences:

• Diminished responsibility

• Loss of control

• Self defence

• Duress

• Automatism

• Intoxication

Our manslaughter defence solicitors are highly experienced in these types of cases and can offer specialist support at every stage of the process; from initial arrest or questioning, right through to court appearances. Our aim always to seek the most positive resolution possible in every case.

Offering a 24/7 emergency service that operates 365 days a year, we're always there when you need us. Get in touch to find out more.