Manslaughter charges occupy the space between accident and murder. New York distinguishes between two degrees of manslaughter.

Manslaughter in the second degree (PL §125.15) is a Class C felony. It applies when a person recklessly causes the death of another, meaning they were consciously aware of and disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their actions would cause death or serious injury. Penalties include up to 15 years in state prison.

Manslaughter in the first degree (PL §125.20) is a Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years. It applies when death results from an intentional act but under circumstances where a reasonable person might have been expected to act impulsively, such as in cases of extreme emotional disturbance.

Manslaughter cases demand an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death: the actions of the defendant, any contributing factors from third parties or the decedent, medical and forensic evidence, and the intent — or absence of it — behind the conduct. In first-degree cases, the extreme emotional disturbance defense requires both expert psychiatric testimony and a careful presentation of the triggering events that a jury can evaluate. We retain qualified medical examiners, forensic specialists, and mental health experts to build the strongest possible defense and, where appropriate, to support a reduction from a higher charge.