What Are the Types of Manslaughter Charges in Tennessee?

By its general definition, manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person. However, the specific circumstances of and classifications for manslaughter may vary by each state’s statutes. With that being said, please read on to discover the types of manslaughter charges in Tennessee and how one of the seasoned Clarksville murder lawyers at Fendley and Birch can help you if you are facing this accusation.

What are the different types of manslaughter charges in the state of Tennessee?

First of all, you must understand that the Tennessee Code splits charges between involuntary and voluntary manslaughter. So, while the exact legal definition may differ across state lines, involuntary manslaughter typically means the unintentional killing of another person as a result of criminal negligence, recklessness, or committing an unlawful act that is not a felony. In short, it does not involve the specific intent to kill, as voluntary manslaughter does.

Then, per Tennessee statute, voluntary manslaughter may happen in the heat of passion. This is to say that the actor responded in a sudden emotional state (i.e., anger, fear, terror, etc.) immediately following a provocation that would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control. Besides voluntary manslaughter, below are subcategories of involuntary manslaughter charges tried in the state of Tennessee:

• Reckless manslaughter: this is when an actor consciously disregards a risk that their actions could cause the death of another and acts anyway.
• Criminally negligent manslaughter: this is when an actor should have been aware of a risk that their actions could cause death, but failed to recognize it.
• Vehicular manslaughter: this is when an actor recklessly operates their motor vehicle and causes the death of another person (i.e., intoxication, racing, speeding, etc).

What are the penalties for different manslaughter charges in Tennessee?

As far as voluntary manslaughter goes, the Tennessee criminal court charges it as a Class C felony. This is commonly attributable to a prison sentence of three to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Then, the related offenses for the different types of involuntary manslaughter are as follows:

• Reckless manslaughter: this is a Class D felony that carries a two- to 12-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.
• Criminally negligent manslaughter: this is a Class E felony that carries a one- to six-year prison sentence and a $3,000 fine.
• Vehicular manslaughter: this is either a Class C, Class B, or Class A felony.
  • General vehicular manslaughter (Class C felony): a three- to 15-year prison sentence and $10,000 fine.
  • Vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence (Class B felony): an eight- to 30-year prison sentence and $25,000 fine.
  • Aggravated vehicular manslaughter (Class A felony): a 15- to 50-year prison sentence and $50,000 fine.

We understand that you may not want to deal with any of this right now, but it must be addressed for the sake of your well-being and reputation. So please allow one of the competent Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers from Fendley and Birch to make this legal process less burdensome for you overall. We will be happy to help and give you much-needed relief.