{"id":376760,"date":"2016-04-11T01:24:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/utah-law\/utah-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-02-16T15:15:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:15:47","slug":"utah-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/utah-law\/utah-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Utah Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Utah Manslaughter Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Manslaughter in Utah<\/span> means recklessly causing death without intent to kill. Utah<\/span> law<\/span> focuses on whether the defendant acted recklessly, knowing their actions could lead to death. Related charges include negligent homicide<\/span> and vehicular homicide, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors<\/span> to felonies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Homicide is the killing of a human being by another person. Where murder is an intentional killing, manslaughter in Utah<\/span> means recklessly causing the death of another human being.<\/p>\n

The Utah<\/span> criminal code<\/span> does not separate “voluntary” and “involuntary” manslaughter. Instead, the laws consider whether the defendant acted recklessly or negligently in causing the death. Utah<\/span> law<\/span> also recognizes related offenses such as negligent homicide<\/span>, vehicular homicide, child abuse<\/span> homicide, and homicide by assault.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain how Utah<\/span> defines manslaughter, the potential penalties, and the possible defenses to this charge. If you\u2019re facing criminal charges<\/span> in Utah<\/span>, contact a local criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. They can explain your options under state law based on your unique situation.<\/p>\n

How Utah<\/span> Defines Manslaughter<\/h2>\n

Under Utah<\/span> Code<\/span><\/u><\/a>, defendants face manslaughter charges<\/span> if they “recklessly cause” the death of another person<\/span>. Recklessness means knowingly acting in a way that death or serious bodily injury<\/span> is a possibility, but continuing despite the risk.<\/p>\n

If the defendant was unaware of the risk, the death might be a simple accident. When the defendant knows there is a risk and continues despite that knowledge, they could face a manslaughter charge<\/span>. A murder charge<\/span> can be reduced to manslaughter<\/u><\/a> if the defendant can show they acted under extreme emotional distress<\/span>, or suffered a mental illness<\/span> causing a delusion.<\/p>\n

Penalties<\/h2>\n

Manslaughter is a second-degree felony<\/span> in Utah<\/span>, punishable by one to 15 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, or both. The exact sentence depends on factors such as:<\/p>\n