In Arlington County, manslaughter charges under Va. Code § 18.2-33 carry up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County. A Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County from our firm can build your defense. 24/7 consultations available.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-33 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines involuntary manslaughter under Va. Code § 18.2-33 as the accidental killing of another person during the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or during the commission of a lawful act performed in an unlawful manner. This charge applies when death results from criminal negligence — a higher standard than civil negligence. The prosecution must prove your actions created a substantial risk of death or serious injury. Unlike murder, there is no intent to kill. A conviction carries serious consequences, including potential prison time and a permanent criminal record. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled these cases since 1997.
Manslaughter charges in Arlington County fall under the broader category of criminal homicide. The specific statute, Va. Code § 18.2-33, addresses involuntary manslaughter. This differs from voluntary manslaughter, which involves intentional killing in the heat of passion. Your Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County must understand this distinction to build an effective defense strategy.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 18.2-33 (official Virginia General Assembly) for the full text of the involuntary manslaughter statute. For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website for local rules and scheduling information.
Arlington County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for felony manslaughter cases. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Your Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County must act quickly to preserve evidence and interview witnesses.
- Contact a Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County immediately after arrest or investigation.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present.
- Your lawyer will request a preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court.
- Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- If bound over to Circuit Court, your lawyer will prepare for trial or negotiate a plea.
- Your lawyer will represent you at trial or sentencing in Arlington County Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, manslaughter under Va. Code § 18.2-33 carries a Class 5 felony classification with up to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Involuntary Manslaughter (§ 18.2-33) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Permanent criminal record, loss of gun rights, employment barriers |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This experience gives our clients a strategic advantage in Arlington County courtrooms.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Manslaughter lawyer near Arlington County — serving all neighborhoods including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter in Virginia?
Yes. Voluntary manslaughter involves intentional killing in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter under Va. Code § 18.2-33 involves accidental killing during an unlawful act or a lawful act done unlawfully. The key difference is intent. Your Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County can explain which applies to your case.
Can a manslaughter charge be reduced in Arlington County?
It depends. A Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County may negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge like reckless driving resulting in death. Factors include evidence strength, your criminal history, and whether the death resulted from negligence versus recklessness. Early intervention improves your chances.
How long does a manslaughter case take in Arlington County?
A typical manslaughter case in Arlington County takes 6-18 months from arrest to resolution. The preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days. If bound over to Circuit Court, trial may take 3-9 months. Complex cases with experienced witnesses take longer. Your Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County will guide you through each phase.
What defenses are available for manslaughter charges in Virginia?
Common defenses include accident without negligence, self-defense, lack of causation, and mistaken identity. Your Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County may also challenge the prosecution’s evidence, witness credibility, or forensic analysis. Each case requires a unique defense strategy based on the specific facts.
Do I need a Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County immediately?
Yes. Contact a Manslaughter Lawyer Arlington County as soon as you learn of an investigation or arrest. Early legal intervention can prevent self-incrimination, preserve evidence, and potentially influence whether charges are filed. Do not speak to police without your lawyer present.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.