If you killed someone (accidentally or on purpose)...

... would you get a reduced sentence if you called the police and admitted to it? Do you think the cops would be more lenient on you than if you had tried to get away with it?

• Need more info, OP. How did you kill this person?

• What did you do OP?

• You can get off with no time at all if you're pretty.

  Laura%20Bush

• It depends on your state of mind (mens rea) while causing the death. The difference between "accidentally and "on purpose" is a mile wide.

  Della

• Can ou make it look like the dead guy attacked you?

• OP just make sure you're a middle aged hausfrau and the "attacker" is black, you'll be fine.

• Never admit anything incriminating to police. NEVER. Get a lawyer.

• Agree with previous poster. Hire yourself the best criminal lawyer you can afford.

• Does it matter what the cops think? Ultimately it will be a jury that you have to convince. The police should treat the accused the same way, no matter what the story is.

• It depends on state law. Call a lawyer and they will walk you in the best way.

• Do it with a car and you won't even be arrested. Motorists routinely kill pedestrians and cyclists without charges being pressed.

• In general, OP, the answer to your question is yes. If you save them a shitload of work, they will go a little easier on you. And your side of the story would seem a bit more credible.

• And sometimes if you go to the police right away and confess, the victim's entire family forgives you and works with the court to establish your punishment as per the fascinating article in the NY Times the other day.

• I would never admit to anything if I thought that I may have a chance of getting away with it.

• What r7 said

• Do you live in Florida, OP? If so, just claim you were "standing your ground", no matter what happened.

• [quote]Does it matter what the cops think? Ultimately it will be a jury that you have to convince. The cops are somewhat irrelevant when it comes to charging decisions in murder cases. That is the province of the prosecutor who will decide what crimes to charge. The judge or jury will ultimately decide the fate of the defendant, but a good lawyer will try and get the prosecutor to not charge the maximum that the law allows. You want your lawyer to be someone -- preferably -- who came from that prosecutor's office and knows the players involved.

• Don't say a word to the police; do not call the police; do not trust the police. Take the following steps - 1) Calm down 2) If this happened accidentally and you have no motive for killing this person, get the best criminal attorney and follow their advice. 3) If you killed the person deliberately, in anger, while drunk, or any other in-the-moment way, get the best criminal attorney and follow their advice. 4) If you killed the person in cold blood, then I hope you have thought out your post murder clean up.