January 16, 2025 | Ohio Law
In Cincinnati, Ohio, there are a few different charges a defendant can face when they cause the death of another person. Two of these commonly include murder and manslaughter. Understanding the difference between these charges in terms of elements of the crime and penalties is essential if you find yourself in this serious situation.
What Is Murder?
In Ohio, there are a few different types of murder charges a person can face for causing another person’s death. These include:
Murder
A purposeful murder is described as intentionally causing the death of another person. This statute targets instances where a perpetrator has a clear goal or plan to end someone’s life and then carries out that intention.
If a person is involved in a serious violent felony that results in someone’s death, they can be charged with this murder. This means even if the individual did not directly cause the death or have any intention to kill, their involvement in first-or second-degree felonies where a death occurs can lead to murder charges. This means they will face harsh penalties for being part of the criminal activity leading up to the death.
These murder charges generally carry a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Aggravated Murder
Ohio law also considers pre-meditated murders and those that happen during the commission of certain serious crimes, such as kidnapping, rape, arson, or robbery–regardless of intent–as aggravated murder. Additionally, killing a child under 13 years old or a law enforcement officer is considered aggravated murder.
Penalties for aggravated murder generally include life in prison without parole or with parole eligibility after 20 to 30 years, depending on circumstances.
No matter what type of murder charge you’re facing, you need to take it seriously and work with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Is Manslaughter?
When a person causes the death of another person but there was no plan or intent to kill, they may face manslaughter charges. Depending on the situation, the charges could include involuntary or voluntary manslaughter charges, as follows:
Felony Involuntary Manslaughter
If a person dies while someone is committing a felony, they can be charged with involuntary manslaughter. The charge in this situation is considered a first-degree felony. For example, if a burglary unintentionally causes someone’s death, it falls under this category.
Sentences can include up to 3 years to life in prison and fines up to $20,000.
Misdemeanor or Regulatory Offense Manslaughter
When the death happens during a misdemeanor or the violation of a regulatory law–like failing to adhere to workplace safety rules–it is classified as a third-degree felony.
Punishments range from 9 months to several years in prison and fines capped at $10,000.
Special Circumstances–OVI-Related Manslaughter
If the case involves operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), there are additional consequences. These include mandatory prison time, license suspension, and other penalties that vary based on how serious the violation is. It’s treated as a more severe crime because of the clear risk involved with driving under the influence.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter happens when someone intentionally kills another person but does so in a sudden moment of passion. This can occur in situations involving intense emotions like anger or passion as a result of some sort of provocation. There’s no premeditation–meaning the act wasn’t planned ahead of time. Voluntary manslaughter also includes unlawfully ending a victim’s pregnancy.
Voluntary manslaughter is a serious charge, and those convicted face harsh penalties under Ohio law. It is a first-degree felony, and sentences can range from three years to life in prison and up to a $20,000 fine, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Contact the Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
United States
