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(1)07. Manslaughter

  • A person who unintentionally kills another, with or without a quarrel or heat of passion is guilty under this code section.
  • A person who, through a criminal accident or negligence, causes someone's death is guilty under this code section.
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Manslaughter is homicide that is not premeditated or proven to have intent or an opportunity to pause and reflect on killing that person. An opportunity to reflect (and therefore possibly change your mind) demonstrates premeditation and is murder. Manslaughter is only charged in the penal code when some sort of criminal negligence or action can be proven. Killing someone while driving drunk is manslaughter.