What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

Voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter are both types of criminal homicide, but they are differentiated by intent. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when someone intentionally kills another person in the moment and without premeditation or planning. It is usually the result of an intense emotional response to another’s actions, such as in the case of self-defense. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person acts in a way that is careless, negligent, or reckless and it results in the death of another person. In South Carolina, voluntary manslaughter can be punished with up to 30 years in prison, while involuntary manslaughter can be punished with up to 10 years in prison. This is because voluntary manslaughter is seen as more intentional and more malicious than involuntary manslaughter, which is usually seen as negligent or careless. In some cases, voluntary manslaughter can be seen as a lesser charge than murder, so a defendant may accept a plea bargain in order to lessen his or her sentence. However, it is important to note that voluntary manslaughter is still a serious crime and carries a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. In South Carolina, both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are considered violent crimes, and are treated as such.

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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

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