In the United States, the homicide rate during the first half of 2025 was 17% lower than during the same period in 2024. This represents 327 fewer homicides in the cities, according to the Council on Criminal Justice.
There are cases when people caused another person’s death knowingly, recklessly, or negligently. The criminal justice system categorized the offense according to the recklessness and negligence of the accused. And two popular charges of this crime are manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Let’s find out what the difference between manslaughter and homicide is.
Why Understanding Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide Matters
Understanding the difference between manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide could very well decide what punishment the accused will face. This includes relatives or followers who are interested in establishing that the court will categorize the acts of homicide.
The law might either favor or disadvantage you, based on whether you are the one making the accusation, the deceased person’s family member, or just a curious person about murder law. The penalties for manslaughter are less harsh than for murder, while criminally negligent homicide might suggest that the perpetrator did not intend to kill.
Knowing these terms can help you interact with your lawyers well, making the court call you ready in a good way.
Defining Manslaughter
Manslaughter is defined as killing someone without intention. It is classified as voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter is accidentally killing someone through extreme emotional reaction due to provocation. This is a case where the act is done without intent but is not fully excusable by the law.
Involuntary manslaughter is when someone causes another person’s death. This is when a person acts carelessly and imprudently. The death of another occurred without the intention of the accused.
Knowing these differences can help you understand the legal consequences you may go through. But whatever your charges are, being found guilty of a crime does not necessarily mean the end of the court process. The criminal courts are required to provide a fair trial that is free from serious legal errors or misconduct, according to Mountain & Valley Law Firm.
Defining Criminally Negligent Homicide
Criminally negligent homicide is the case when a person’s irresponsibility results in the unintended death of another. To label this homicide, the offender’s act must be so extreme that it is impossible to imagine even a person with the lowest standard of care acting that way.
Negligence can result in someone’s death. For instance, causing death to someone because you failed to recognize a substantial risk that a “reasonable” person would have seen.
You can’t avoid getting punished after harming someone. You might face very strict punishment and a big fine. This is what the law says.
Key Differences Between Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide
The difference between manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide relates to the perpetrator’s state of mind. It also depends on how responsible they are for the death.
Manslaughter can often be the result of negligence or a willful act wherein the individual was aware of the potential harm caused to another due to their acts and did nothing to prevent it. They did not intend to cause anyone’s death but, in truth, also did not make any effort to avoid the said harm.
When there’s a death caused by another’s intentional act, understanding of legal terms is needed. Negligent homicide would imply willfully disregarding a risk that results in death to another—that this neglect could be observed by any rationally thinking individual.
Manslaughter is a more serious crime. People charged with this crime face jail time and pay heavier fines. This shows how serious it is.
On the other hand, criminally negligent homicide means jail gets less punishment because it’s less to blame. It is considered less serious because of the lack of intent to kill, but just the failure to perceive an obvious risk.
Legal Consequences of Manslaughter vs. Criminally Negligent Homicide
What’s at stake if you are accused of either crime? This is important if you want to know what punishment awaits you.
Manslaughter is regarded as semi-intentional but not planned. You can expect to go to prison for up to fifteen years.
Criminally negligent homicide is less serious. You may find yourself with a small sentence behind bars, or maybe with a period of probation. It is not the intention on behalf of the perpetrator to harm; rather, one wasn’t careful—and this makes the case very sensitive. The specifics of your case will determine that, and you should have a lawyer. A chance not to serve a sentence depends on your lawyer.
Knowing the basic differences between manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide can go a long way in helping any person facing possible legal troubles.
