While probation for a convicted murderer may be unheard of, in some jurisdictions some prosecutors are agreeing to lengthy probation sentences in exchange for guilty pleas. An investigation by the Dallas Morning News in 2007 revealed that between 2000 and 2006, nine of all murder cases in Dallas County resulted in probation. Prosecutors defended their decisions saying that they took several factors into consideration including the defendant’s age, health and the circumstances of the case. For example, if a defendant is in bad health and the killing could appear to have been self-defense, prosecutors have offered pleas. Most states will not allow murder probation if the charge is actually murder, probation deals are often made other types of homicides. Involuntary manslaughter, which is based on the killing of the other without the intent to kill, often warrants a probation sentence. And some vehicular homicide charges begin as felonies with mandatory prison sentences and are pleaded down to manslaughter.