Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> DUI Blogger

Criminal Law

: DUI Blogger

Why California Voluntary Manslaughter Charges Don't Apply to DUIs

By Neil Shouse, Esq.

California?s voluntary manslaughter laws apply to those who kill in (1) the heat of passion, or (2) during a sudden quarrel. This offense is typically a reduction from what would otherwise be a murder charge. California law provides this reduction based on the fact that there are certain situations that would compel even a normally ?rational? person to act irrationally. However, you can be convicted of violating California?s voluntary manslaughter law for acting with a conscious disregard for human life. So it would make sense that if you get behind the wheel after having too much to drink?and kill someone in the process?California law would say that you acted with a conscious disregard for human life and are therefore guilty of violating California?s voluntary manslaughter law...continue to full post

Full post as published by DUI Blogger on September 23, 2010 (boomark / email).