Homicides occur when someone dies from a non-natural cause. These are typically divided into different categories, two of which are murder and manslaughter. Tennessee has specific classifications in each of these categories that depend on the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
Learning the various classifications may help people who are facing charges for taking another person’s life.
First-degree murder
First-degree murder is the most serious of all homicides. This includes murders are the premeditated, as well as those that occur during the commission of certain felonies, including kidnapping, rape and robbery. This is considered a capital offense, which means that it can lead to life in prison, sometimes without the possibility of parole. These murders can also result in a person facing the death penalty.
Second-degree murder
Second-degree murder involves intentional killings that aren’t premeditated. This also includes drug overdose deaths if the drug was provided to the victim by the defendant. This lacks the planning of a first-degree murder, but it is still a Class A felony that carries 15 to 60 years in prison.
Voluntary manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a killing is committed in the heat of passion. There must be adequate provocation in order to meet the terms of this charge. This is a Class C felony, which can result in 3 to 15 years in prison if the person is convicted.
Facing charges for murder or manslaughter requires that the defendant learn their options for a defense strategy. This must be set based on the circumstances of the case, but it must be based on the truth. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters may be beneficial for anyone who’s in this position.
