Contact The Firm: 605-642-2147

Kinney Law, PC
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Helping people move on with their lives with straight forward and sincere advice.

More than 40 combined years of experience in tenaciously defending Black Hills clients against criminal charges of DUI, drug crimes, assault and more.  

Nobody knows the courthouses and legal environments better than us.  

South Dakota Manslaughter Defense Lawyer In Rapid City

A tragic mistake should not automatically define the rest of your life. When someone dies, prosecutors may file murder charges.

But not every death is murder. An experienced manslaughter attorney in South Dakota can make that distinction clear.

Kinney Law, pc, represents clients across the Black Hills region, including Rapid City, Sturgis, Spearfish and Deadwood. With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand how these cases are charged and how they can be reduced.

Voluntary Versus Involuntary Manslaughter

South Dakota law separates manslaughter into different categories:

  • Voluntary manslaughter: This often involves a “heat of passion” situation such as a fight at a bar during the Sturgis Rally or a sudden confrontation that spirals out of control. There was no plan to kill, but emotions took over. A skilled voluntary manslaughter attorney in Sturgis focuses on showing the lack of premeditation.
  • Involuntary manslaughter: This category usually involves reckless behavior that causes a death. This can include drunk driving, careless firearm use or other reckless acts. An involuntary manslaughter lawyer in Rapid City works to demonstrate that the conduct, while serious, was not intentional.

The difference between these charges matters. It affects potential prison time, long-term consequences and how your case should be defended.

Vehicular Homicide And DUI Cases

In the Black Hills, many manslaughter charges stem from fatal crashes on I-90 or rural highways. A DUI arrest can quickly become a felony if someone dies.

As a trusted source for vehicular homicide defense in the Black Hills, Kinney Law, pc, carefully examines crash reports, blood testing procedures and police conduct. A DUI manslaughter lawyer in South Dakota looks for errors, overcharging and weaknesses in the state’s case.

Strategic Charge Reduction And Sentencing Advocacy

Reducing a murder charge to manslaughter can mean the difference between a life sentence and a term of years. Reducing manslaughter to negligent homicide can further limit exposure. Our firm has built its reputation on negotiating practical outcomes and preparing cases for trial when needed.

At sentencing, we present the full picture: work history, family ties and the accidental nature of the event. The goal is to protect freedom, driving privileges and dignity whenever possible.

Talk To An Attorney ASAP

If you are facing charges in Rapid City, Sturgis or Spearfish, contact Kinney Law, pc, today to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Call our office at 605-642-2147 or send us an email to get started.