Bakersfield Manslaughter Lawyer
Facing Manslaughter Charges in Bakersfield, CA?
A manslaughter charge is one of the most severe accusations an individual can face in California. When the stakes are this high, you cannot afford to leave your defense to chance or a firm that treats your case like a file on an assembly line. At Humphrey & Thompson, we provide strategic, aggressive, and compassionate legal defense to those accused of serious crimes, including manslaughter.
Here are several reasons why you should hire our firm:
- Board Certified in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California
- Five decades of combined experience defending serious felony and violent crime cases throughout Kern County
- A boutique approach — your case is handled personally by Kyle J. Humphrey or Jared M. Thompson, not passed off to an unfamiliar associate
- A proven record of dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable jury verdicts in homicide-adjacent cases
- Responsive, transparent communication at every stage of a case that can otherwise feel overwhelming and uncertain
If you or someone you love is facing manslaughter charges in Bakersfield, don't wait to get experienced representation in your corner.
Contact our Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists today for an initial consultation.
What is Manslaughter?
Manslaughter is a criminal offense that involves the unlawful killing of another person without the malice aforethought required for a murder charge. In California, manslaughter is classified into three main categories under Penal Code § 192:
Voluntary Manslaughter
This occurs when someone kills another person in the "heat of passion" or during a sudden quarrel. Although the act is intentional, it lacks the premeditation that characterizes murder. A common example might be a person who discovers a spouse in an affair and reacts violently in the moment.
Involuntary Manslaughter
This type involves unintentional killing resulting from recklessness or criminal negligence. It typically arises when a person engages in lawful behavior that is done in a dangerous or negligent way, leading to another person's death.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another while operating a motor vehicle in a negligent or unlawful manner, often related to DUI offenses or reckless driving.
Penalties for Manslaughter in California
The consequences of a manslaughter conviction in California can be life-altering. Sentencing varies depending on the type of manslaughter:
Voluntary Manslaughter
- State Prison: 3, 6, or 11 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Probation: May be available depending on circumstances
- Additional Penalties: Loss of gun rights, community service, counseling
Involuntary Manslaughter
- State Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Probation: May be granted in lieu of prison time
- Civil Liability: Potential for a wrongful death lawsuit
Vehicular Manslaughter
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Depends on the severity and circumstances
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony: Up to 10 years in state prison (especially if DUI is involved)
- License Suspension: Mandatory for certain convictions
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
At Humphrey & Thompson, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Former Client
Jared and his staff, not exaggerating were on top of it all. If I called to talk to the girls in the front they handled everything right away, Jared reputation for being THE BEST matched him perfect. We had issues with the anger management classes and the staff really cared and helped us. Jared helped my son who was facing some serious charges but he genuinely cared about the whole truth and we got blessed tremendously! we are forever grateful and truly couldnt have imagined the outcome had we NOT hired him! Loved them thank you so much sincerely!
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
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- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
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- Rena B.
IF you are caught in a bad situation in life and are looking for a Lawyer and investigator to fight, do their job well in fighting to prove your innocence in your case, you need Kyle and Victor on your side!!!
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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- Rob B.
He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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- Felicia E.
He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.
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Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Why Local Experience Matters
Manslaughter defense isn't a one-size-fits-all practice area, and it isn't one where an out-of-town attorney unfamiliar with Kern County can simply parachute in. The outcome of these cases is shaped by relationships and patterns that only come from working in the same courthouse, in front of the same judges, against the same prosecutors, year after year.
When you choose Humphrey & Thompson, you're choosing attorneys who:
- Are Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists recognized by the State Bar of California
- Have personally handled thousands of criminal cases in Kern County
- Understand how local forensic resources, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies build (and sometimes mishandle) homicide investigations
- Know which defenses tend to resonate with Kern County juries
A manslaughter charge is not the place to gamble on unfamiliar representation. It's the place to call the firm Bakersfield trusts.
Get started today by filling out our online contact form.
