{"id":372193,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/criminal-laws\/first-degree-murder.html"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:06:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T19:06:43","slug":"first-degree-murder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/first-degree-murder.html","title":{"rendered":"State First-Degree Murder Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n State First-Degree Murder Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/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\n\n\n

Murder is one of the most serious crimes a person can commit. In states that still have the death penalty<\/span><\/a>, a murder conviction may result in a death sentence. In most states, a first-degree<\/span> murder<\/span> conviction<\/span> can lead to a sentence of <\/span>life imprisonment<\/span> without the possibility of parole<\/span>.<\/p>\n

First-degree<\/span> murder<\/span> laws are different from state to state. The way state laws define murder varies, as do the penalties for the crime<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article provides an overview of state murder laws. You can also choose from the links at the bottom of the page to learn more about murder statutes from specific states. If you\u2019re facing criminal charges in any state, consult an experienced criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Overview of First-Degree<\/span> Murder<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most states divide murder into degrees. Most limit their classifications to first- and second-degree<\/span> murder<\/span><\/a>. To qualify as murder, state laws require the prosecutor to prove the specific elements of the crime.<\/p>\n

In general, the elements of first-degree<\/span> murder<\/span><\/a> include the following:<\/p>\n