{"id":377121,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-01-12T10:49:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T15:49:09","slug":"washington-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Washington Manslaughter Laws<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Washington manslaughter laws cover the criminal offense where one person causes the death of another without intent, usually through negligence or extreme carelessness. First-degree manslaughter involves reckless conduct. Second-degree manslaughter involves criminal negligence, meaning the defendant failed to be aware of the risk and their failure was a gross deviation from reasonable conduct.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Homicide is the killing of a person by another human being. It becomes murder under the law based on the killer\u2019s intent and the presence of deliberation or premeditation<\/span>. When someone kills another person due to carelessness or negligence but without intent or planning, they are charged with manslaughter.<\/p>\n

The state of <\/span>Washington<\/span> has two levels of manslaughter: first- and second-degree<\/span> manslaughter<\/span>. In both types, the defendant had no intention of causing a death. The distinction comes from the defendant\u2019s awareness of whether death was<\/span> a likely outcome of their actions.<\/p>\n

Washington<\/span> Manslaughter Laws<\/h2>\n

In Washington<\/span>, murder requires an intent to cause the death of another human being. Manslaughter only requires causing the death of another person<\/span>, by being reckless or criminally negligent, as defined by the statute.<\/p>\n

First-Degree Manslaughter<\/span><\/h3>\n

A person commits first-degree manslaughter<\/span><\/a> when they recklessly cause the death of a person<\/span>. First-degree manslaughter<\/span> involves a death that occurs during the performance of an act performed in a reckless manner<\/span>. Discharging a firearm into a building without knowing if it is occupied could lead to a first-degree <\/span>manslaughter<\/span> charge<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Intentionally injuring a pregnant woman to cause the death of her unborn child<\/span> is also first-degree manslaughter<\/span>. This does not apply to legally obtained abortions.<\/p>\n

Second-Degree<\/span> Manslaughter<\/span><\/h3>\n

Second-degree<\/span> manslaughter<\/span><\/a> is also known as criminal negligence<\/span>. This means that the defendant failed to be aware of a substantial risk that death may occur, and to recognize this risk was<\/span> a serious deviation from how a reasonable person<\/span> would act in a similar situation.<\/p>\n

In general, the difference between first-degree and second-degree<\/span> manslaughter<\/span> is the defendant\u2019s awareness of the risk that death could result from their actions. A person is reckless when they are aware of and disregard a substantial risk that death may occur, one that a reasonable person<\/span> would not disregard. A person is criminally negligent when they fail to be aware of a substantial risk that death may occur, and the failure to exercise care grossly deviates from what a reasonable person would.<\/p>\n

Penalties<\/h2>\n

Manslaughter is a felony in Washington<\/span>. It does not usually receive the same penalties as an intentional killing<\/span>, but like all homicide charges<\/span>, penalties are severe.<\/p>\n

Manslaughter in the first degree is a Class A<\/span> felony. Defendants face up to life imprisonment<\/span>, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. A typical sentence for a first offender without aggravating<\/span> factors is between six to eight years in prison.<\/p>\n

Manslaughter in the second degree<\/span> is a Class B felony<\/span>. Defendants can receive up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. A typical sentence for a first offender without aggravating<\/span> factors is between 21 and 27 months.<\/p>\n

Aggravating<\/span> Factors<\/h2>\n

Unlike first-degree murder, manslaughter charges<\/span> do not have specified aggravating<\/span> factors. However, prosecutors can request an enhanced sentence if the offense had aggravating<\/span> factors<\/a>. In a manslaughter case, factors can include:<\/p>\n