Penalties for Unlawful Homicide

Penalties for Unlawful Homicide



Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being without malice or deliberation. These are murders that occur “in the heat of passion” caused by a provocation that made the passion irresistible. If convicted, a person can face:

• 1-10 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000



Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter is defined as a killing of a human being with any intent to do so. If convicted of this charge, a person faces:



• 1-4 years in prison
• Fines up to $5,000

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is defined as the unintentionally without malice or deliberation with a vehicle through an act or omission that constitutes negligence. If convicted, a person faces:



• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $1,000

First Degree Murder

First degree murder is defined as the unlawfully killing of another human being with premeditation and deliberation. These convictions carry the harshest punishment afforded by Nevada state law. Penalties for first degree murder include:



• The death penalty, if aggravating circumstances are found
• Life sentence without parole
• Life sentence with the possibility of parole after 20 years
• 20-50 years in prison

Second Degree Murder

Second degree murder is defined as all other kinds of murder besides those in the first degree. If convicted this charge includes:



• Life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years
• 10-25 years in prison

Felony Murder

Felony murder is defined as killing someone during the commission or attempted commission of a felony such as sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, arson, burglary, invasion of the home, sexual abuse of a child, sexual molestation of a child under 14 years old or child abuse or abuse of an older person or vulnerable person. If convicted, the penalties include:



• The death penalty if aggravating circumstances are found
• Life sentence without parole
• Life sentence with the possibility of parole after 20 years
• 20-50 years in prison

Deadly Weapon Enhancements

If it is determined that the defendant used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime, the following addiontial penalty is added:



• A consecutive sentence up to 20 years but not more than the sentence for the underlying crime