Homicide

Taking the life of another human being is the most serious offense in the criminal justice system. 

First-degree murder is the only crime punishable by death in Tennessee: if you are convicted, you could die.

To successfully defend against a criminal homicide charge, you must retain experienced counsel.

But there are different types of homicide. Did you kill in self-defense? Was the homicide justifiable?

Tennessee Homicide Charges

Unlawfully causing another person's death is called homicide, and Tennessee law provides for several different charges that could be brought as a result.

  • First-degree murder: The premeditated, intentional killing of another person is considered first-degree murder. A person may also face charges for first-degree murder for causing a death in process of committing another felony. A first-degree murder conviction could lead to the death penalty, and it is the only crime in Tennessee for which the death penalty is possible.

  • Second-degree murder: Second-degree murder differs from first-degree murder in that second-degree murder is not premeditated. It is a Class A felony, punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison.

  • Voluntary manslaughter: Sometimes known as third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter refers to causing another person's death as a result of provocation. A Class C felony, voluntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

  • Vehicular homicide: If you cause a motor vehicle accident that claims the life of another person, you could be charged with vehicular homicide. The prosecutor would need to show that you were driving recklessly and that your recklessness caused the victim's death. By law, drunk driving and drag racing are considered reckless behaviors that could lead to vehicular homicide charges. The severity of the charge and the possible consequences will depend on the circumstances of each case.

Tennessee also provides for the possibility of charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless homicide in certain situations. These offenses are Class E felonies, carrying prison sentences of between one and six years.