When someone is involved in the unlawful killing of someone else, prosecutors often charge them at first with murder.

Murder carries a sentence of 15 years to life, which rises to 25-to-life in cases of first degree murder.

Why do prosecutors do this? They start with the most severe charge possible to have leverage in plea negotiations. Facing murder charges is intimidating, and this increases the pressure on the accused, encouraging cooperation or plea agreements.

However, the good news is that if you or someone you love has been charged with murder, it might be possible to see those charges reduced to voluntary manslaughter.

Sentences for voluntary manslaughter can be as short as just three years in prison.

How can you get your charges reduced? Speak with a lawyer. A skilled attorney can carefully evaluate your unique situation, identify potential mitigating factors, and develop a strong legal strategy aimed at reducing murder charges to voluntary manslaughter.

Call Today – 800-834-6434

What is voluntary manslaughter under California law?

California law defines voluntary manslaughter under Penal Code 192(a) as intentionally killing another person without premeditation, malice aforethought, or lawful justification.

Unlike murder, voluntary manslaughter typically occurs under circumstances that mitigate, but do not justify, the homicide. These situations involve either:

Heat of Passion or Sudden Quarrel – You were provoked into a sudden emotional state that obscured your judgment, leading you to react impulsively, without deliberate thought.
Imperfect Self-Defense – You genuinely, but unreasonably, believed deadly force was necessary to defend yourself or others from immediate harm.

Both scenarios involve a killing that was intentional but not premeditated, which differentiates voluntary manslaughter from murder.

Examples of voluntary manslaughter

Heat of passion

Someone returns home unexpectedly and discovers their spouse in bed with another person. In a sudden fit of overwhelming rage, they grab a nearby heavy object and strike the intruder, causing their death.

Due to the emotional shock and provocation, this could qualify as voluntary manslaughter instead of murder.

Sudden quarrel

Two friends get into a heated argument at a social gathering. One makes a deeply offensive remark about the other’s family, and the conflict quickly escalates into violence. In the spur of the moment, one friend stabs the other fatally.

Because it happened spontaneously, without prior intent or planning, this may constitute voluntary manslaughter.

Imperfect self-defense

A person mistakenly believes they’re about to be seriously harmed during a confrontation. In genuine, but mistaken fear for their life, they use deadly force, resulting in the death of the perceived attacker.

Because their belief, although genuine, was unreasonable, they may face charges for voluntary manslaughter rather than murder.

Defense of others

Imagine seeing a friend being physically attacked. You mistakenly but genuinely believe your friend is in imminent life-threatening danger. You intervene with deadly force, resulting in the attacker’s death.

Since your belief was genuine but unreasonable, this scenario might be prosecuted as voluntary manslaughter.

Imperfect duress

Someone is coerced into committing homicide under threat of immediate harm to themselves or a loved one. They comply, killing the targeted individual out of fear.

While not justifying the killing, these circumstances could qualify as voluntary manslaughter.

What’s the difference between voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter?

Both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter involve unlawful killing without premeditation or malice aforethought. However, voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional killing provoked by sudden emotional distress or a mistaken perception of danger.

In contrast, involuntary manslaughter involves unintentional killings resulting from negligent or reckless behavior, such as causing a fatal car accident by speeding or driving under the influence.

Penalties for voluntary manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is a felony in California. Convictions carry penalties including:

State prison sentences of 3, 6, or 11 years
Up to $10,000 in fines
A “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law
Loss of firearm ownership rights
Mandatory counseling, anger management, or rehabilitation programs

How to get murder charges reduced to voluntary manslaughter

Reducing murder charges to voluntary manslaughter requires skilled legal strategy. A competent criminal defense attorney can help achieve this by demonstrating mitigating circumstances, such as provocation, emotional distress, or imperfect self-defense.

Experienced attorneys will thoroughly examine the details and evidence of your case. Plea bargains or trial arguments may convince prosecutors or juries to accept voluntary manslaughter rather than murder charges, significantly lowering potential sentences.

Why choose Helfend Law Group in Los Angeles

Facing manslaughter or murder charges dramatically impacts your life and future.

Helfend Law Group in Los Angeles offers decades of experience defending serious felony charges, including murder and manslaughter. Our experienced legal team will meticulously evaluate your case, ensuring your rights and future are aggressively protected.

Contact Helfend Law Group in Los Angeles today

If you or someone you care about is facing murder or voluntary manslaughter charges, you need immediate, knowledgeable legal assistance.

Helfend Law Group in Los Angeles has successfully defended thousands of clients over four decades.

Call Helfend Law Group at 800-834-6434 for your free, confidential consultation, and take the first step toward protecting your freedom.

Published February 23, 2020. Updated March 15, 2025.