What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

In South Carolina, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are two different types of criminal offenses. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when the accused intentionally kills another person without premeditation or malice. This type of manslaughter is usually caused by extreme provocation or an uncontrollable passion, and the accused knows that what they are doing is wrong. In contrast, involuntary manslaughter occurs when the accused accidentally kills another person. This type of manslaughter can be unintentional or caused by negligence, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or unintentionally causing the death of another person in the course of committing a criminal act. In both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter cases, the accused may be sentenced to prison or probation or fined, depending on the severity of the crime. Voluntary manslaughter is a more serious offense than involuntary manslaughter because the accused had the intention to kill. Thus, this type of manslaughter is charged as a more serious crime, with harsher penalties for the accused. The penalties for involuntary manslaughter can range from probation to prison time, but are not as severe as voluntary manslaughter.

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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

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