We all make mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes have consequences that may affect not only our lives, but also the lives of our family and friends. In Wisconsin, homicide is one of the most serious criminal offenses and carries significant penalties. A Wisconsin student may be charged with this serious offense after a man was found dead in the student’s dorm room.
According to police, a man was found unresponsive in a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s dorm room. Police say they found the man at the student’s desk; drug paraphernalia including packets of foil and a tourniquet were also found on top of the desk. A medical examiner’s report states that the man had a drug history of using crack cocaine.
The cause of the man’s death has not been determined. But a university representative has reported that the student has been arrested for suspicion of reckless homicide and failure to provide aide.
A defendant convicted of reckless homicide may be defined as causing the death of another person due to the defendant’s reckless conduct. Reckless homicide, also called involuntary manslaughter in some states, may face lighter penalties than a person charged with other classifications of homicide. Penalties associated with this offense may include between 10 to 16 months in jail or prison, significant fines and probation.
A defendant accused of any type of homicide offense or violent crime faces penalties that may affect the defendant’s ability to find housing or future employment. Because of this, defendants should be aware of all possible defenses that may apply to their case. Some defenses may reduce the penalties associated with the criminal offense.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “UWM student faces possible homicide charge in death of relative,” Jesse Garza, Dec. 5, 2012