{"id":372291,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-involuntary-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-29T16:04:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T21:04:32","slug":"district-of-columbia-involuntary-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-involuntary-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Involuntary Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia Involuntary Manslaughter Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, 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

Homicide is a criminal offense in every jurisdiction. However, not all homicides are murder. A murder charge applies to cases where the defendant intentionally killed another human being, usually with premeditation and malice aforethought.<\/p>\r\n

There are other types of criminal homicide as well. For example, a person commits voluntary manslaughter<\/a> when they kill someone in the heat of passion or as a response to adequate provocation. In a voluntary manslaughter case, the defendant had the intent to kill. However, they did not plan to kill the victim. They did so in response to an extreme emotional disturbance.<\/p>\r\n

Another type of homicide is involuntary manslaughter. This crime involves the unintentional killing of another person, typically the result of negligence<\/a> or recklessness. A typical example of involuntary manslaughter is a defendant who kills another driver in a drunk driving accident.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains how the involuntary manslaughter laws work in Washington, D.C. It also examines the penalties and possible defenses<\/a> to this crime.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing charges of manslaughter or negligent homicide<\/a>, consider reaching out to an experienced D.C. criminal defense attorney<\/a>. We’ve also included links to other helpful FindLaw articles at the bottom of this page.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of District of Columbia Involuntary Manslaughter<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The D.C. Code<\/a> recognizes two types of involuntary manslaughter. The following table outlines involuntary manslaughter laws in the District of Columbia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

District of Columbia Involuntary Manslaughter Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

District of Columbia Official Code \u00a722-2105<\/a><\/p>\r\n

D.C. Code does not have a specific manslaughter statute. The elements of the crime are based on common law<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Definitions of Involuntary Manslaughter Under District of Columbia Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Under the District of Columbia\u2019s involuntary manslaughter laws, the crime can qualify as either criminal-negligence<\/a> manslaughter or misdemeanor manslaughter.<\/p>\r\n

Involuntary Criminal-Negligence Manslaughter<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n

Penalties for Involuntary Manslaughter Under District of Columbia Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence<\/a> of up to 30 years and possible fines.<\/p>\r\n

There is no minimum sentence under D.C. law.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Defenses Against Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Under District of Columbia Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

The following defenses are available under D.C. law:<\/p>\r\n