What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

Voluntary manslaughter is when a person intentionally kills another person in the heat of the moment without premeditation. It is an impulsive act or reaction born out of passion, fear, or anger. This type of killing is usually charged as a first-degree felony and can result in a prison sentence of 10-20 years in Pennsylvania. Involuntary manslaughter is when a person is killed by another person’s reckless or careless behavior but the killer did not have the intent to kill. It is usually charged as a third-degree felony and can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years in Pennsylvania. The major difference between the two is the level of intent associated with the killing. In the case of voluntary manslaughter the intent was there while with involuntary manslaughter the intent was not there. Therefore, the two are charged differently and the punishment varies.

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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

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