Connecticut Manslaughter Laws

Connecticut manslaughter laws define degrees of manslaughter based on intent and circumstances surrounding the crime. Penalties vary from Class B felonies with up to 20 years in prison to misdemeanors with shorter sentences. Defenses include self-defense, insanity, or accidental discharge.

Many states divide the crime of manslaughter into voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. However, Connecticut law divides manslaughter into degrees, similar to what most states do with the crime of murder.

The specific manslaughter charge depends on the degree of violence the defendant used and whether the killing was reckless or negligent. For example, if the defendant intended to kill the victim or cause serious bodily injury, they would likely face first-degree manslaughter charges. A conviction of manslaughter will result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and fines of up to $15,000.

In a case where a defendant killed someone while negligently driving a motor vehicle, the state would pursue either misconduct with a motor vehicle or criminally negligent homicide. The penalties for these offenses are more lenient than they are for first-degree manslaughter.

Here, we’ll discuss Connecticut’s manslaughter laws, including the penalties and defenses to this crime. If you’re facing manslaughter charges, contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney.

Connecticut Manslaughter Laws at a Glance

It can be difficult to read and understand the Connecticut General Statutes. They often contain complex ideas and legalese. The following table outlines Connecticut’s manslaughter laws in plain English. If you have further questions about this topic, visit the links in the “Related FindLaw Resources” section at the end of this article.

Disclaimer: State laws change frequently. Contact a local criminal defense lawyer for case-specific information regarding Connecticut’s criminal laws.

What Is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?

The simple answer is: Murder requires intent to kill. Most manslaughter charges do not. Like anything in law, though, it’s not quite that simple.

To convict someone of murder in Connecticut, prosecutors need to show one of two things: that the defendant intended to kill the deceased, or that they caused someone’s death during the commission of a felony listed in the statute (law). Under the Connecticut criminal code, a person acts with intent when their "conscious objective is to cause such result or to engage in such content."

A murder charge might be downgraded to first-degree manslaughter if a defendant can show:

1. They intended to commit serious physical injury, not death; or

2. They intended the death, but they were under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance. This means they were under severe stress to the point that it was "the greatest degree of intensity away from the norm" for them. There must also be a reasonable explanation for their extreme emotional disturbance.

Intent also plays into second-degree manslaughter when a person did not cause the death of someone themselves but intentionally encouraged or helped another person to commit suicide.

Consult an Experienced Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re facing a manslaughter charge, contact a Connecticut criminal defense attorney. Things move quickly after your arrest, and you’ll want a seasoned defense lawyer by your side.

Your attorney can help poke holes in the state’s case and fight for an acquittal. In the worst case, they’ll work to negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor. Your chances of avoiding a conviction are better if you retain a skilled criminal attorney. Contact one as soon as possible after your arrest so they can review your case and get started on crafting a solid defense strategy.

Related FindLaw Resources

• Involuntary Manslaughter Overview
• Involuntary Manslaughter Penalties and Sentencing
• Voluntary Manslaughter Overview
• Voluntary Manslaughter Penalties and Sentencing