{"id":375442,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:15","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-involuntary-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-08-11T10:45:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T15:45:52","slug":"north-carolina-involuntary-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-involuntary-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Involuntary Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina 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

Taking a human life is the most serious crime a person can commit. It’s one thing to cause the death of another person by accident, but it’s another thing altogether to commit an intentional killing<\/a>. For this reason, North Carolina law recognizes different types of homicide.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Homicide<\/a> is the unlawful killing of another human being. When a defendant acts intentionally and with premeditation, they commit murder. It can be either first-degree murder or second-degree murder.<\/p>\r\n

When an individual kills another person due to negligence, recklessness, or heat of passion<\/a>, they’re more likely to face either involuntary or voluntary manslaughter charges.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines North Carolina’s involuntary manslaughter<\/a> laws, including the penalties and possible defenses to this crime. It also explains the differences between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing involuntary manslaughter charges, it’s a good idea to reach out to a North Carolina criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. We’ve also gathered links to helpful FindLaw articles on similar topics at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\r\n

Murder vs. Manslaughter<\/h2>\r\n

Before diving into North Carolina’s involuntary manslaughter laws, it’s worth discussing the differences between murder and manslaughter<\/a>. Let’s take a look at how North Carolina views the charges.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina and First-Degree Murder Charges<\/h3>\r\n

To convict a defendant of first-degree murder<\/a> under North Carolina law, the prosecutor must prove that the individual intentionally killed another person under the following circumstances:<\/p>\r\n