Chattanooga Manslaughter Lawyer

Compassionate Support for Manslaughter Cases in Tennessee

At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, we understand that facing manslaughter charges can be an overwhelming and distressing experience. If you or a loved one are confronted with such charges, having a knowledgeable and experienced legal team is crucial. As trusted Chattanooga manslaughter lawyers, we are dedicated to providing you with the strongest defense and fighting tirelessly to protect your rights. 

Call Cavett, Abbott & Weiss today at (423) 264-2206 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our manslaughter attorney in Chattanooga! 

What is Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is a severe criminal offense involving the unlawful killing of another person. In Tennessee, manslaughter is categorized into two distinct charges: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.

• Voluntary Manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter refers to intentionally causing the death of another person under circumstances that would have otherwise constituted murder. However, the offender acts in the heat of passion or response to adequate provocation. This charge often arises when a person's emotions are provoked to the point where they lose control, leading to a deadly altercation.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter involves causing the death of another person without intent. It occurs when a person acts recklessly or negligently, knowing their actions could result in harm or death. This charge often arises in cases where someone's careless behavior, such as drunk driving or medical malpractice, leads to the unintended death of another person.

What are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Tennessee?

The penalties for manslaughter in Tennessee can be severe and life-altering. The specific penalties will depend on the circumstances of the case, including the degree of culpability and any aggravating factors involved.

• Voluntary Manslaughter: In Tennessee, voluntary manslaughter is considered a Class C felony. If convicted, the potential penalties include imprisonment for three to fifteen years and a fine of up to $10,000. However, the judge cannot increase the penalty if certain aggravating factors are present, such as prior convictions or using a deadly weapon.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter is also classified as a felony in Tennessee, but the severity of the charge depends on the degree of recklessness or negligence involved. It can range from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. The potential penalties include imprisonment for up to six years and a fine of up to $3,000.

Defenses Against Manslaughter Charges

When facing manslaughter charges, having a skilled legal team who can build a strong defense tailored to your specific case is crucial. At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, our experienced Chattanooga manslaughter lawyers will thoroughly investigate the incident's circumstances and explore all possible defenses to protect your rights. Some common defenses against manslaughter charges include the following:

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If you acted in self-defense or to protect another person from imminent harm, we could argue that your actions were justified.
• Lack of Intent: In cases of voluntary manslaughter, if we can demonstrate that there was no intent to cause harm or that the intent was formed in the heat of passion, we may be able to reduce the charges to a lesser offense.
• Challenging the Evidence: Our skilled attorneys will meticulously examine the evidence presented by the prosecution, searching for any inconsistencies, procedural errors, or violations of your constitutional rights. We will aggressively challenge the prosecution's case and work to suppress any evidence obtained unlawfully.

Contact Our Chattanooga Manslaughter Attorney Today

When facing manslaughter charges, you need a team that will fight relentlessly to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case. At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, we have the expertise and dedication necessary to handle the complexities of manslaughter cases in Chattanooga. Our skilled attorneys will provide you with the personalized attention and aggressive representation you deserve.

Contact Cavett, Abbott & Weiss today to schedule a FREE consultation with our manslaughter lawyer in Chattanooga!