Idaho Involuntary Manslaughter Law

In all states, homicide is the killing of a human being by another human being. State laws distinguish between degrees of homicide based on whether the defendant intended to kill the victim or if the cause was accidental.

Idaho law has three types of manslaughter, depending on whether the defendant meant to cause the death of another person. Idaho also files manslaughter charges for deaths resulting from misdemeanor crimes and lawful acts performed in an unlawful manner.

In this article, we’ll explain the rules and penalties related to one type of manslaughter recognized by Idaho criminal law: Involuntary manslaughter. We also have an article that can help you if you need to know more about voluntary manslaughter.

Idaho Involuntary Manslaughter

Idaho Code defines manslaughter as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice. Idaho has three types of manslaughter:

• Voluntary manslaughter is a killing in a sudden quarrel or heat of passion
• Vehicular manslaughter is the operation of a motor vehicle resulting in death (with or without gross negligence)
• Involuntary manslaughter involves reckless or negligent behavior that results in someone’s death

Involuntary manslaughter typically occurs in one of three ways:

• A lawful act done in an unlawful, careless, or reckless manner: For example, running a zip-line course without regularly checking the lines and harnesses that result in a customer’s death could lead to involuntary manslaughter charges
• The use of a firearm: Using a gun or any other deadly weapon in a careless or negligent manner resulting in death, such as practicing your “quick-draw” in a crowded bar, could easily lead to an involuntary manslaughter charge
• A death in the attempt to commit or the commission of any crime other than those listed in Idaho’s first-degree murder law: This is similar to the felony murder rule, but comes with a slightly lower penalty

Involuntary manslaughter differs from second-degree murder in that the defendant does not intend the victim’s death. For example:

• A construction supervisor who fails to follow required safety protocols, resulting in a worker falling to their death
• A pharmacist who negligently dispenses the wrong medication, causing a patient’s death
• A daycare provider who leaves cleaning chemicals accessible to children, resulting in fatal poisoning
• A hunter who fires without properly identifying the target and kills another hunter
• A shoplifter who pushes an elderly store employee while fleeing, causing them to fall and sustain a fatal head injury

Idaho statutes for murder and manslaughter include the death of a human embryo or fetus. However, Idaho’s Defense of Life law does not extend the definition to include medical abortion.

Penalties for Involuntary Manslaughter in Idaho

In the state of Idaho, the sentence for involuntary manslaughter is up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Vehicular manslaughter has mandatory sentences of one to 15 years. If the incident causes the death of a minor child’s parent or parents, the court may order the defendant to pay child support for that child until they reach 18 years of age.

Defenses

In any criminal case, the prosecuting attorney must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is not required to prove their innocence unless they want to present an affirmative defense.

An affirmative defense is one that negates an element of the crime. In the case of involuntary manslaughter, defendants may claim the death was excusable or justifiable.

Homicide is excusable in Idaho when committed by accident and misfortune while carrying out a lawful act in a safe and reasonable manner without malicious intent. For example, a driver with no heart issues in their medical history who suffers an unexpected heart attack or seizure while driving and causes a fatal accident would likely have any homicide charges excused.

Self Defense

Idaho law justifies the use of any force up to and including lethal force when the person is:

• Defending themselves or another person from a felony such as murder, rape, robbery, or kidnapping
• Defending their property or residence against any person attempting to enter by force
• Attempting to lawfully apprehend another person for a felony committed in their presence

Use of excessive force is always subject to review when a death is involved.

Get Legal Advice From an Idaho Criminal Defense Attorney

Manslaughter and homicide are among the most serious crimes you can face in Idaho. A manslaughter conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence. If you’re facing a manslaughter charge, contact an Idaho criminal defense lawyer immediately. They can protect your constitutional rights and help build a defense against these serious charges.