Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced to the four year maximum in prison today for his conviction of involuntary manslaughter in the Michael Jackson case.

Murray told detectives he had been giving Michael Jackson nightly doses of Propofol to help him sleep as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. Propofol is supposed to be used in hospital settings and has never been approved for sleep treatments, yet Murray acknowledged giving it to Jackson then leaving the room on the day the singer died.

The prosecution had to show that Michael Jackson was killed as a result of an act by Dr. Murray, that this act was inherently dangerous or done recklessly and that he should have known the act threatened the lives of others.  If Dr. Murray committed the crime in Louisiana, he would likely be charged with negligent homicide, since there is not an involuntary manslaughter statute in Louisiana.  Negligent homicide is the killing of a human being by criminal negligence.  Baton Rouge Criminal Attorney Carl Barkemeyer aggressively defends those charged with negligent homicide, which is a felony punishable by imprisonment up to five years and a fine up to five thousand dollars.  If you or someone you know has been charged with homicide, contact Baton Rouge Criminal Lawyer Carl Barkemeyer.

Source: The Advocate,“Michael Jackson’s doctor sentenced to 4 years,” November 29, 2011.