Manslaughter Attorney in San Bernardino

Public Defender Background. Personal Attention on Every Case.

A manslaughter charge under California Penal Code Section 192 is among the most serious accusations a person can face. Unlike murder, manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, but the penalties remain severe and life-altering. If you or someone you care about is facing these charges, you need a manslaughter attorney in San Bernardino who personally manages every aspect of your defense. At Law Office of Dennis Kuntz, Mr. Kuntz handles each case directly. Nothing is delegated to less experienced staff.

California law defines three distinct types of manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter (PC 192(a)) involves a killing during a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter (PC 192(b)) results from reckless or criminally negligent conduct without any intent to kill. Vehicular manslaughter (PC 192(c)) covers deaths caused by the negligent or unlawful operation of a vehicle. Each carries different sentencing tiers, and each demands a defense strategy built around its specific legal elements. We offer free consultations so you can understand exactly what you’re facing before making any decisions.

(909) 200-4045: contact Law Office of Dennis Kuntz today to schedule your free consultation with Mr. Kuntz.

How We Handle Manslaughter Cases in San Bernardino

Mr. Kuntz’s background as a public defender gives him a direct understanding of how the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office builds manslaughter cases. He has worked inside the system, which means he knows how local prosecutors evaluate evidence, which arguments carry weight at the San Bernardino Justice Center, and where opportunities may exist to challenge the prosecution’s theory of the case. That institutional knowledge doesn’t come from reading case summaries. It comes from years of practice in this specific courthouse.

Our approach begins with a thorough review of the evidence: police reports, witness statements, forensic findings, and any video or physical evidence connected to the incident. From there, we work closely with each client to identify the strongest available defense. That might mean filing pre-trial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, negotiating with prosecutors regarding reduced charges where the facts support it, or preparing for trial when no acceptable resolution is available. No client at Law Office of Dennis Kuntz is treated as a case number.

San Bernardino County prosecutors sometimes assign serious manslaughter cases to trial units, which raises the stakes for the defense. Understanding local evidentiary standards and negotiation practices at the San Bernardino Justice Center shapes how we approach each stage, from arraignment through potential trial.

Consequences of a Manslaughter Conviction in California

The penalties for manslaughter vary by type, but all three categories carry consequences that extend well beyond prison time. Here is what California law provides for each:

• Voluntary Manslaughter (PC 192(a)): 3, 6, or 11 years in California state prison and fines up to $10,000. Voluntary manslaughter is classified as a serious and violent felony and counts as a strike under the California Three Strikes Law, which can increase penalties for any future felony conviction.
• Involuntary Manslaughter (PC 192(b)): 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Vehicular Manslaughter (PC 192(c)): Penalties range from a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in county jail to a felony carrying up to six years in state prison when gross negligence is involved, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense.

Beyond incarceration and fines, any manslaughter conviction results in the permanent loss of firearm rights and creates a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing for years to come. A voluntary manslaughter conviction’s status as a Three Strikes offense means its consequences can reach into the future, shaping how any subsequent criminal matter is handled. Understanding these stakes from the outset is essential to making informed decisions about your defense.

What to Expect at the San Bernardino Justice Center

Felony manslaughter cases in San Bernardino are prosecuted in the Criminal Division of the San Bernardino County Superior Court, located at the San Bernardino Justice Center. After an arrest, the first court appearance is the arraignment, where formal charges are presented and bail is addressed. From there, felony cases proceed to a preliminary hearing, where a judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to require the defendant to stand trial.

The pre-trial phase is often where the most consequential work happens. During this period, both sides exchange evidence through discovery, defense counsel can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charges, and plea negotiations with the prosecutor take place. Mr. Kuntz’s public defender experience makes him well-suited to anticipate the prosecution’s next moves at each stage and to keep clients informed so they can participate meaningfully in decisions about their own case. Where the facts support it, we pursue reduced charges or alternative sentencing through negotiation. When they don’t, we prepare a full defense for trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Voluntary & Involuntary Manslaughter?

Voluntary manslaughter under PC 192(a) involves an intentional killing that occurs during a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion, where the circumstances would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control. It also covers situations of imperfect self-defense, where the defendant had an honest but unreasonable belief in the need to use deadly force. Involuntary manslaughter under PC 192(b) involves a death resulting from reckless or criminally negligent conduct with no intent to kill, typically during a non-felony unlawful act or a lawful act performed in a dangerous manner.

What Are the Penalties for Manslaughter in California?

California law sets specific sentencing triads for each type. Voluntary manslaughter carries 3, 6, or 11 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000, and counts as a strike under the California Three Strikes Law. Involuntary manslaughter carries 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000. Vehicular manslaughter ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony carrying up to six years in state prison for the gross-negligence form. All three types result in a permanent criminal record and loss of firearm rights.

How Can a Manslaughter Lawyer Help My Case?

A manslaughter lawyer analyzes the evidence against you, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, files pre-trial motions to challenge unlawfully obtained evidence, and negotiates with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office on your behalf. Retaining counsel early matters because it gives us maximum time to investigate, gather evidence, and build a defense before critical deadlines pass. At Law Office of Dennis Kuntz, Mr. Kuntz personally handles all of this from the first consultation through resolution.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for Manslaughter?

Remain calm and invoke your right to an attorney immediately. Don’t make statements to police or speak to anyone about the incident before consulting with counsel. Anything you say can be used against you, and early statements are among the most damaging pieces of evidence prosecutors rely on. If you’re released on bail, comply with every court-imposed condition to avoid additional charges and stay in close communication with your attorney before each court appearance.

Why Choose Law Office of Dennis Kuntz for Your Defense?

Mr. Kuntz’s background as a public defender means he has worked inside the San Bernardino court system and understands how local prosecutors approach these cases. At some larger multi-attorney firms, clients are passed between staff, but he personally manages every aspect of each client’s defense. Free consultations are available with no financial obligation, and our approach is built around individualized, detail-focused representation from the first call through resolution.

Contact Law Office of Dennis Kuntz for a Free Consultation

Manslaughter charges demand immediate, focused legal attention. The decisions made in the early stages of a case can shape everything that follows, and having Mr. Kuntz personally managing your defense (not a junior associate, not support staff) means nothing falls through the cracks.

Call (909) 200-4045 or schedule your free consultation online. There’s no financial obligation, and the sooner we connect, the more time we have to build a defense on your behalf.