Manslaughter Attorney in Port Orchard
Facing Life-Changing Charges? Talk to a Manslaughter Lawyer in Port Orchard
When your future is on the line, guidance from a local manslaughter attorney in Port Orchard can make the difference. At the Law Office of Stan Glisson, our team guides individuals through manslaughter charges in Port Orchard and the greater Kitsap County area.
With decades of defending clients in Washington courts, we combine legal insight with practical support, helping you navigate each stage confidently. You receive step-by-step communication and honest answers that build trust from day one.
Many people who reach out to us have never faced criminal accusations before. The first days after an arrest or investigation can be overwhelming. Our team provides steady direction and accurate answers, informed by years of working with the courts and law enforcement in Kitsap County.
If you have been charged with manslaughter, contact Glisson Legal immediately. Our firm offers affordable services and free consultations to begin your defense. Call your Port Orchard manslaughter lawyer now at (360) 526-8191 or reach out online now.
Understanding Manslaughter Laws in Washington State
In Washington, the crime of manslaughter is classified into two distinct degrees based on the defendant’s state of mind, as defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). These classifications determine the severity of the charge and the potential sentence.
Manslaughter in the First Degree (RCW 9A.32.060)
This is the most serious form of manslaughter and is classified as a Class A Felony. A person is guilty of Manslaughter in the First Degree when we can prove the accused:
- Recklessly causes the death of another person.
- Recklessness means the person knows of and disregards a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur, and this disregard is a gross deviation from the conduct that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation.
- Intentionally and unlawfully kills an unborn quick child by inflicting any injury upon the mother of such child.
A conviction often results in a standard sentencing range of $6 \frac{1}{2}$ to $8 \frac{1}{2}$ years, but the maximum sentence is life imprisonment and a $\$50,000$ fine.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.32.070)
This is a lesser charge and is classified as a Class B Felony. A person is guilty of Manslaughter in the Second Degree when we can prove the accused:
- Causes the death of another person with criminal negligence.
- Criminal Negligence is a lower bar than recklessness, meaning the person should have been aware of a substantial risk that their conduct would cause death, but failed to perceive it, and that failure was a gross deviation from the standard of care.
The maximum penalty for Second-Degree Manslaughter is 10 years in prison and a $\$20,000$ fine.
Penalties and Long-Term Consequences of a Manslaughter Conviction
A conviction for manslaughter—even the "lesser" Second-Degree offense—will result in severe and long-lasting consequences under the Washington Sentencing Reform Act.
Direct Penalties
- Long-Term Incarceration: As Class A and B felonies, convictions carry significant prison sentences based on your offender score (criminal history) and the seriousness level of the crime.
- Substantial Fines: Fines can reach up to $\$50,000$ for First-Degree Manslaughter.
- Mandatory Supervision: Upon release from prison, you will be subject to a period of community custody (supervision/parole).
Collateral Consequences
Beyond prison, a felony conviction follows you for life, particularly in the close-knit community of Port Orchard and Kitsap County:
- Loss of Civil Rights: You permanently lose the right to vote and the right to possess firearms under both state and federal law.
- Professional Licensing: Many professional licenses (medical, legal, financial) are revoked or denied due to a felony conviction.
- Employment and Housing: Felon status severely limits job opportunities and housing options, often requiring you to disclose the conviction on applications.
- Immigration: For non-citizens, any felony homicide charge is considered an Aggravated Felony, triggering mandatory deportation.
The Port Orchard Criminal Defense Process for Homicide Charges
The moment you are contacted by law enforcement, your case begins. As your Port Orchard manslaughter lawyer, we move immediately to protect your rights, particularly the right to silence.
- Immediate Representation: Our firm is available 24/7 to intervene with law enforcement on your behalf, preventing you from making statements that could later be used against you.
- Bail/Pre-Trial Release: We aggressively advocate for the lowest possible bail and least restrictive release conditions at your arraignment hearing in Kitsap County Superior Court.
- Investigative Deep Dive: We utilize independent investigators and expert witnesses (forensic pathologists, accident reconstruction specialists) to collect and analyze evidence outside of the State’s bias. We challenge the police's narrative, often exposing procedural errors or constitutional violations (illegal search/seizure).
- Motion Practice: We file strategic pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence (like statements or physical evidence), which can dramatically weaken the prosecution’s case or lead to a dismissal.
- Strategic Negotiation and Trial: Our firm prepares every case for trial, using our deep preparation to leverage a better plea bargain, such as a reduced charge, or to proceed confidently to a courtroom battle where we fight for an acquittal.
Our Firm's Strategic Manslaughter Defense Pillars
A strong defense against a manslaughter charge must be tailored to the specific mental state the State is alleging: recklessness or negligence. We utilize time-tested defense strategies to protect our clients:
- Accident vs. Negligence: We demonstrate that the death, while tragic, was a pure accident that even a reasonable person could not have foreseen. The State must prove criminal negligence, which requires more than simple carelessness.
- Self-Defense/Justifiable Homicide: If the killing occurred during a moment of legitimate self-defense against perceived imminent harm, we argue the homicide was justifiable under Washington law, serving as a complete defense to the charge.
- Challenging the Mental State (Mens Rea): The core of the defense is proving the defendant did not act with the level of recklessness or criminal negligence required by the statute. We introduce evidence of your state of mind and the circumstances that mitigate any perception of conscious disregard for risk.
- Alibi or Mistaken Identity: In some cases, we prove the accused was simply not the perpetrator or was not at the scene when the death occurred, utilizing witness testimony, cell phone data, and video surveillance.
Why Local Experience Matters for Manslaughter Defense in Port Orchard
Manslaughter cases in Washington move quickly through county courts, and every region handles proceedings with its own approach. With strong roots in the Port Orchard legal community, we know court procedures, prosecution strategies, and the expectations of local judges. Our firm has over 20 years of courtroom experience, providing tailored service and frequent updates so you always feel supported.
Court expectations often depend on local practice. In Kitsap County, prosecutors weigh community safety and regional sentencing guidelines when reviewing charges. Pre-trial hearings and negotiations can move fast, making it crucial to work with a manslaughter lawyer in Port Orchard who understands the region’s patterns. Our experience gives clients insight into each possible phase, allowing for better preparation and improved confidence as their case progresses.
Start with a Manslaughter Attorney in Port Orchard Who Puts You First
If you face a manslaughter accusation in Port Orchard or anywhere in Kitsap County, reach out for the support you deserve. At Glisson Legal, our team draws on years of criminal defense in the region to provide honest answers and reliable direction. We prioritize clear communication, treat everyone with respect, and keep you informed throughout the process.
Contact us today to discuss your situation confidentially and take the first step toward practical, effective legal advice. Call (360) 526-8191 and get answers from a team that understands your needs from the very beginning.
