There are over 24,000 homicides in the US each year.
Many of us consume hours of true crime media each month. We watch Netflix documentaries, listen to podcasts, or read books about serial killers.
But how much does the general population know about the legal side of murder? Do you know what goes on inside the courtroom?
We don’t have time to explain it all, but we will explain the different types of murder charges. Find everything you need to know about the varying homicide degrees in the guide below.
First-Degree Murder
One of the most serious, if not the most serious, charges for murder is first-degree murder. You may have also heard it referred to as ‘capital murder’.
Many times, someone is charged with first-degree murder if they planned out the killing. The homicide was nowhere near an accident, and the murderers might have even documented their careful plans.
In first-degree murder cases, you’ll most likely hear the words, ‘deliberate’ and ‘premeditated’. It’s certainly chilling to realize that someone took the time to plot their kill!
Second-Degree Murder
In a second-degree murder charge, the victim was killed with malice, but without deliberation and/or premeditation. (Malice means to harm with ill will.)
To put this in other words, the victim was harmed with the intention to kill, but the kill was not planned ahead of time.
For example, a man may have spontaneously pulled out a gun and shot a man who would not move out of his way during a robbery. The shooter didn’t plan to kill the victim, but he had every intention of killing him at that second.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter, or a third-degree murder charge, describes a homicide that wasn’t committed with malice or premeditation. A manslaughter case might have happened due to extreme harm and/or negligence.
Unfortunately, many people commit manslaughter when they attempt to harm someone but take things a bit too far. This might look like the killer accidentally murdering someone with blunt force trauma to the head when the killer had only meant to momentarily knock out the victim.
Negligence involves someone ending someone else’s life out of ignorance. For example, many parents commit manslaughter by leaving their children in hot cars for too long.
If you or a loved one is facing a possible manslaughter charge, make sure to contact a homicide attorney.
Court Is in Session: Different Murder Charges Explained
Whether you know someone going through a murder court case or you’re watching a Netflix documentary, it’s important to understand the different murder charges. You never know when the above information could become useful! (But let’s hope it doesn’t.)
The 3 common charges you’ll hear about include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. While the details of each type may vary, all should be taken seriously.
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