Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
In South Dakota, criminal homicide is classified according to the severity of the killing as either murder, manslaughter, excusable homicide, justifiable homicide, or vehicular homicide. The crime of manslaughter is then further subcategorized into voluntary manslaughter (referred to as manslaughter in the first degree) and involuntary manslaughter (referred to as manslaughter in the second degree). This article provides a brief overview of South Dakota's voluntary manslaughter law.
Code Section |
South Dakota Code section 22-16-15: Manslaughter in First Degree |
What's Prohibited? |
Killing a human being (including an unborn child) if perpetrated:
|
Penalties |
Manslaughter in the first degree is a Class C felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and life in prison. |
| Lesser Included Offenses | First degree manslaughter is a lesser included offense of first degree murder and second degree murder. |
While both murder and manslaughter require an unlawful killing, the key difference between the two crimes lies in the offender's state of mind when the killing was committed. Generally, murder requires the killing to have been done with malice (or the intent or desire to cause harm). On the other hand, manslaughter does not involve malice or premeditation. The law views offenders who commit manslaughter as less morally culpable than those who commit murder, and therefore the distinction between the two crimes is very significant went it comes to punishing the killer.
State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding South Dakota's voluntary manslaughter law contact a local criminal defense lawyer.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many South Dakota attorneys offer free consultations.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.