{"id":372114,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-18T14:56:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T19:56:46","slug":"connecticut-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Manslaughter Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Connecticut manslaughter laws define degrees of manslaughter based on intent and circumstances surrounding the crime. Penalties vary from Class B felonies with up to 20 years in prison to misdemeanors with shorter sentences. Defenses include self-defense, insanity, or accidental discharge.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Many states divide the crime of manslaughter into voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. However, Connecticut law divides manslaughter into degrees, similar to what most states do with the crime of murder.<\/p>\r\n

The specific manslaughter charge depends on the degree of violence the defendant used and whether the killing was reckless or negligent. For example, if the defendant intended to kill the victim or cause serious bodily injury, they would likely face first-degree manslaughter charges. A conviction of manslaughter will result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and fines of up to $15,000.<\/p>\r\n

In a case where a defendant killed someone while negligently driving a motor vehicle, the state would pursue either misconduct with a motor vehicle or criminally negligent homicide. The penalties for these offenses are more lenient than they are for first-degree manslaughter.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll discuss Connecticut\u2019s manslaughter laws, including the penalties and defenses to this crime. If you\u2019re facing manslaughter charges, contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut Manslaughter Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

It can be difficult to read and understand the Connecticut General Statutes<\/a>. They often contain complex ideas and legalese. The following table outlines Connecticut\u2019s manslaughter laws in plain English. If you have further questions about this topic, visit the links in the \u201cRelated FindLaw Resources\u201d section at the end of this article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

C.G.S. sections 53a-55 et seq.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Types of Manslaughter<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

The following are definitions of the various degrees of manslaughter, including the elements of the crimes.<\/p>\r\n

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

First-degree manslaughter\/First-degree manslaughter with a firearm are Class B felonies<\/a> and are punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years and up to $15,000 in fines.<\/p>\r\n

Second-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter with a firearm or motor vehicle are Class C felonies, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.<\/p>\r\n

If a person commits second-degree manslaughter with or while threatening to use a firearm, they must serve at least one year of their sentence. If the person commits this crime with a motor vehicle, the court will suspend their driver\u2019s license. Once the state reinstates the defendant\u2019s license, the person must drive for 2 years with an ignition interlock device<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Misconduct with a motor vehicle qualifies as a Class D felony in Connecticut and carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.<\/p>\r\n

Criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor<\/a> and carries a potential punishment of up to one year in prison and a $2,000 fine.<\/p>\r\n

For all the above crimes, the sentences listed are the maximum allowed under the law. Actual sentences depend on many factors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Defenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

For any of the above crimes, the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Connecticut law recognizes the following defenses to manslaughter:<\/p>\r\n