{"id":387352,"date":"2025-12-03T10:22:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T15:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=387352"},"modified":"2025-12-03T10:11:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T15:11:25","slug":"what-is-negligent-homicide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/what-is-negligent-homicide.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Negligent Homicide?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Negligent Homicide?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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\n\n

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Negligent homicide<\/span> is a type of criminal liability<\/span> involving the unintentional killing of another person<\/span> through reckless or criminally negligent conduct. Unlike murder, which requires intent to kill, negligent homicide<\/span> occurs when someone’s actions show a gross deviation from reasonable care, creating a substantial and unjustifiable risk<\/span> of death. Penalties vary by state and can include imprisonment and fines.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the criminal <\/span>offense<\/span> of <\/span>negligent homicide<\/span> and the possible penalties someone might face. Exact penal code<\/span> definitions and sentencing vary by state<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you’re facing negligent homicide<\/span> charges<\/span>, contact a criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. This type of criminal case can be both challenging and overwhelming to navigate. An experienced criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> can guide you and help protect your rights.<\/p>\n

What Is Negligent Homicide<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Negligent homicide<\/span> is the criminal act of unintentionally causing the death of another person<\/span> through either:<\/p>\n