Homicide / Murder

Homicide / Murder

Homicide, being one of the most serious of all criminal charges, is often defined as the unlawful killing of another human. There are two types of homicide: man slaughter and murder.  Both charges carry severe penalties and are serious crimes that are committed against another person.

Murder is defined as the intentional or premeditated intent to harm or kill another person.  Murder charges vary in the degree and severity however; most sentences can result in a lifetime prison sentence or even in some states the death penalty.

Manslaughter differs from murder because it is the unintentional intent to harm or kill someone.  Manslaughter can be deemed either voluntary or involuntary.  Voluntary manslaughter requires the reasonable aggravation and typically includes actions done while in the “heat of the moment”.  Involuntary manslaughter typically refers to accidental deaths.  Depending on the circumstances of the case, manslaughter can carry a sentence ranging from 1- 20 years in prison.