Criminal homicide is the unlawful killing of another person. In Tennessee, there are several different homicide-related charges that an accused individual may face. These charges include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide, reckless homicide, and criminal negligent homicide.

 

First-Degree Murder in Tennessee

First-degree murder is defined as the "premeditated and intentional killing of another." It can also be defined as a killing committed during certain types of felonies as well as any killing committed as the result of a bomb. In the state of Tennessee, conviction of first-degree murder carries life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.

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Second-Degree Murder in Tennessee

Second-degree murder is defined as the "knowing killing of another." This can also be charged in a killing that resulted from the unlawful distribution of any Schedule I or II drug, if the drug was the proximate cause of death of the user. Second-degree murder is a Class A felony carrying a range of punishment from between 15 to 40 years in prison.

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Manslaughter, Reckless Homicide, and Criminally Negligent Homicide in Tennessee

 

Voluntary manslaughter is defined as the "intentional or knowing killing of another in a state of passion produced by adequate provocation sufficient to lead a reasonable person to act in an irrational manner." Voluntary manslaughter is a Class C felony and carries a range of punishment from between three to 15 years in prison. Reckless homicide is the "reckless killing of another." It is a Class D felony carrying between 2 to 12 years imprisonment. Criminally negligent homicideis defined as "criminally negligent conduct that results in death." Criminally negligent homicide is a Class E felony carrying between one to six years in state prison.