{"id":374910,"date":"2016-04-11T01:23:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-hampshire-law\/new-hampshire-manslaughter-law.html"},"modified":"2025-07-16T10:47:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T15:47:17","slug":"new-hampshire-manslaughter-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-hampshire-law\/new-hampshire-manslaughter-law.html","title":{"rendered":"New Hampshire Manslaughter Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Hampshire Manslaughter Law<\/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

In New Hampshire, there are four types of criminal homicide: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. New Hampshire used to recognize capital murder as well, but lawmakers abolished the death penalty in 2019. Currently, first-degree murder is the most severe form of homicide under New Hampshire law.<\/p>\r\n

All homicides<\/a> involve the death of another person. For the state to convict someone of murder charges<\/a>, it must prove that the defendant planned to kill the victim. With manslaughter, the standard of proof is lower.<\/p>\r\n

Manslaughter involves the unlawful killing of another human being without malice aforethought. While the penalties for voluntary and involuntary manslaughter<\/a> are less severe than they are for murder, anyone guilty of one of these crimes will face a lengthy prison sentence.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines and explains New Hampshire\u2019s manslaughter laws, including the penalties and possible defenses. If you\u2019re facing homicide charges<\/a> of any sort, contacting a local criminal defense attorney<\/a> after your arrest is a good idea. We’ve also included links to related FindLaw articles at the bottom of this page.<\/p>\r\n

New Hampshire’s Definition of Manslaughter<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

New Hampshire law defines manslaughter as causing the death of another person under an extreme mental or emotional disturbance caused by extreme provocation. An example of this would be a spouse walking on their partner having sexual relations with a stranger and shooting them.<\/p>\r\n

Manslaughter also can apply when someone recklessly causes the death of another. A defendant who causes a fatal motor vehicle accident<\/a> may be guilty of manslaughter. Someone who takes a human life as a result of recklessness or heat of passion<\/a> will likely face manslaughter charges.<\/p>\r\n

New Hampshire Manslaughter Laws: Summary<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The New Hampshire Criminal Code<\/a> outlines the state\u2019s homicide laws, including those for manslaughter. The legalese used for criminal statutes can sometimes be difficult to understand. To help, we\u2019ve summarized the manslaughter laws in New Hampshire in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

New Hampshire Manslaughter Code Section<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 630:2<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Definition of Manslaughter in New Hampshire<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Causing the death of another due to:<\/p>\r\n

Penalties for Manslaughter Convictions in New Hampshire<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

The penalty for manslaughter is a prison sentence of up to 30 years. In cases where the victim’s death resulted from a motor vehicle accident, the court may revoke the offender’s driver\u2019s license indefinitely<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Possible Defenses Against Manslaughter Charges in New Hampshire<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n