Taking a human life is the most serious offense a person can be accused of. However, criminal law understands that not all situations are equal, so prosecutors may apply different charges, depending on the defendant’s actions and intentions. Here is an overview of the differences between murder, manslaughter, and homicide.

Homicide

While many people use the terms “murder” and “homicide” interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two. In legal terms, any situation in which one human being kills another is considered a homicide.

However, not all homicides qualify as murders. Legally justified incidents like taking an attacker’s life in self-defense are considered homicide under the law. It’s important to remember that not all homicides result in criminal charges.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is a type of homicide in which the defendant did not intend to take the victim’s life. For instance, an individual who got into a fight in which the other person experienced fatal injuries may be accused of manslaughter.

An individual may also be charged with manslaughter if a reckless action caused the death of another person. For instance, a person might be charged with vehicular manslaughter if they were speeding and caused an accident in which another driver was killed.

Murder

Traditionally, murder is defined as an unlawful act that results in the death of another person. Prosecutors will also take a defendant’s intentions into account when deciding whether to pursue murder charges. First-degree murder charges require prosecutors to prove that the defendant intended to take someone else’s life.

However, a defendant can also be charged with murder even if they didn’t intend to kill another person. If a defendant was trying to assault someone or behaved in an extremely reckless manner that demonstrated a disregard for human life, prosecutors may pursue second-degree murder charges.

In Alabama, murder is considered a Class A felony, punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Defendants convicted of murder in the second degree may serve the minimum, while those convicted of first-degree murder may face life in prison. In some situations, the court may impose the death penalty in murder cases.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime anywhere in Scottsboro or Jackson County, trust the Edmiston Law Office to provide the spirited defense you deserve. Their attorney has over 30 years of experience practicing criminal law and has won more cases than anyone else in the area. Visit their website for more on their criminal law services, or call (256) 259-0834 to schedule a consultation today.