List of punishments for murder in the United States

· Federal › Civilian

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Any term of years or life without parole(There is no federal parole, U.S. sentencing guidelines offense level 38: 235–293 months with a clean record, 360 months–life with serious past offenses)

Second degree murder by an inmate, even escaped, serving a life sentence

Offense

Second degree murder by an inmate, even escaped, serving a life sentence

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or any term of years (only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Any term of years or life without parole(There is no federal parole, U.S. sentencing guidelines offense level 38: 235–293 months with a clean record, 360 months–life with serious past offenses)
Second degree murder by an inmate, even escaped, serving a life sentence	Life without parole
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or any term of years (only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

· Federal › Military

Murder under UCMJ Article 118 Clause (2) or (3) (Second degree murder)

Offense

Murder under UCMJ Article 118 Clause (2) or (3) (Second degree murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

Any legal punishment (other than death) as directed by the court-martial

Murder under UCMJ Article 118 Clause (1) or (4) (First degree murder)

Offense

Murder under UCMJ Article 118 Clause (1) or (4) (First degree murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of 20 years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Murder under UCMJ Article 118 Clause (2) or (3) (Second degree murder)	Any legal punishment (other than death) as directed by the court-martial
Murder under UCMJ Article 118 Clause (1) or (4) (First degree murder)	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of 20 years)

· Federal › District of Columbia

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Any term of years, but no more than 40 years (unless there are aggravating circumstances), or life without parole

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

30–60 years (sentence can exceed 60 years if there are aggravating circumstances) or life without parole

Murder of a law enforcement officer

Offense

Murder of a law enforcement officer

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (if the defendant was a juvenile, a judge sets a term of 60 years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Any term of years, but no more than 40 years (unless there are aggravating circumstances), or life without parole
First degree murder	30–60 years (sentence can exceed 60 years if there are aggravating circumstances) or life without parole
Murder of a law enforcement officer	Life without parole (if the defendant was a juvenile, a judge sets a term of 60 years)

· Federal › Puerto Rico

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

15–50 years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

99 years

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	15–50 years
First degree murder	99 years

· Federal › U.S. Virgin Islands

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Not less than 5 years (10 years if the victim was a law enforcement officer)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (For juveniles, a judge sets a sentence of any term of years not exceeding life)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Not less than 5 years (10 years if the victim was a law enforcement officer)
First degree murder	Life without parole (For juveniles, a judge sets a sentence of any term of years not exceeding life)

· By states › Alabama

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

2–20 years

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

10–99 years (20–99 years if using deadly weapon) or life (minimum of 15 years)

Capital murder

Offense

Capital murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life with parole eligibility after 30 years (only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Manslaughter	2–20 years
Murder	10–99 years (20–99 years if using deadly weapon) or life (minimum of 15 years)
Capital murder	Death, life without parole, or life with parole eligibility after 30 years (only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Alaska

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

5–99 years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

30–99 years

First degree murder with an aggravating factor

Offense

First degree murder with an aggravating factor

Mandatory Sentencing

99 years without parole (can apply for a one-time reduction after 49.5 years; for juveniles, a judge can sentence them to 99 years and the governor can parole them)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	5–99 years
First degree murder	30–99 years
First degree murder with an aggravating factor	99 years without parole (can apply for a one-time reduction after 49.5 years; for juveniles, a judge can sentence them to 99 years and the governor can parole them)

· By states › Arizona

Negligent homicide

Offense

Negligent homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

1–3.75 years (first violent felony offense)

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

7–21 years (first violent felony offense)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

10–25 years (first violent felony offense)

Felony first degree murder

Offense

Felony first degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), natural life imprisonment, or life (minimum of 25 years; 35 years if the victim was under the age of 15)

Premeditated first degree murder

Offense

Premeditated first degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), natural life imprisonment, or life (minimum of 25 years; 35 years if the victim was under the age of 15; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Negligent homicide	years (first violent felony offense)
Manslaughter	7–21 years (first violent felony offense)
Second degree murder	10–25 years (first violent felony offense)
Felony first degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), natural life imprisonment, or life (minimum of 25 years; 35 years if the victim was under the age of 15)
Premeditated first degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), natural life imprisonment, or life (minimum of 25 years; 35 years if the victim was under the age of 15; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Arkansas

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

6–30 years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

10–40 years or life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Capital murder

Offense

Capital murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death or life without parole (eligible for parole after 30 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	6–30 years
First degree murder	10–40 years or life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
Capital murder	Death or life without parole (eligible for parole after 30 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › California

Any felony criminal homicide

Offense

Any felony criminal homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum $10,000 fine (not including fees/court costs and penalty assessments) Loss of gun rights For involuntary manslaughter with a firearm or voluntary manslaughter or murder, a strike under California Three Strikes Law Penalty Enhancements like the 10-20-life law or gang-related enhancement. Victim restitution Can't get probation for murder

Vehicular manslaughter (Standard Negligence)

Offense

Vehicular manslaughter (Standard Negligence)

Mandatory Sentencing

Up to 1 year in county jail

Vehicular manslaughter (Gross Negligence)

Offense

Vehicular manslaughter (Gross Negligence)

Mandatory Sentencing

Up to 1 year in county jail as a misdemeanor. 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison as a felony.

Vehicular manslaughter for Financial Gain

Offense

Vehicular manslaughter for Financial Gain

Mandatory Sentencing

4, 6, or 10 years in state prison

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

2, 3, or 4 years (a strike under California Three Strikes Law if a firearm was used)

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

3, 6, or 11 years

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

15 years to life (either 15 years to life or life without parole if the defendant served a prior murder conviction under Penal Code 190.05)

Second degree murder of a peace officer

Offense

Second degree murder of a peace officer

Mandatory Sentencing

25 years to life (only an option if the defendant was a juvenile) (Life without parole if any of the following are true: The defendant's intention was to kill, OR Intention was to cause great bodily injury, OR A deadly weapon was used to kill. If the defendant was a juvenile, they are given a sentence under California’s three-strikes law)

Second degree murder by shooting from a motor vehicle with intent to cause great bodily injury(Intent to cause death is prosecuted as First degree murder)

Offense

Second degree murder by shooting from a motor vehicle with intent to cause great bodily injury(Intent to cause death is prosecuted as First degree murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

20 years to life

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

25 years to life

Assault causing the death of a child under 8 years of age

Offense

Assault causing the death of a child under 8 years of age

Mandatory Sentencing

25 years to life

First degree murder constituting a hate crime or of an operator or driver

Offense

First degree murder constituting a hate crime or of an operator or driver

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder with special circumstances

Offense

First degree murder with special circumstances

Mandatory Sentencing

Death or life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Any felony criminal homicide	Maximum $10,000 fine (not including fees/court costs and penalty assessments) Loss of gun rights For involuntary manslaughter with a firearm or voluntary manslaughter or murder, a strike under California Three Strikes Law Penalty Enhancements like the 10-20-life law or gang-related enhancement. Victim restitution Can't get probation for murder
Vehicular manslaughter (Standard Negligence)	Up to 1 year in county jail
Vehicular manslaughter (Gross Negligence)	Up to 1 year in county jail as a misdemeanor. 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison as a felony.
Vehicular manslaughter for Financial Gain	4, 6, or 10 years in state prison
Involuntary manslaughter	2, 3, or 4 years (a strike under California Three Strikes Law if a firearm was used)
Voluntary manslaughter	3, 6, or 11 years
Second degree murder	15 years to life (either 15 years to life or life without parole if the defendant served a prior murder conviction under Penal Code 190.05)
Second degree murder of a peace officer	25 years to life (only an option if the defendant was a juvenile) (Life without parole if any of the following are true: The defendant's intention was to kill, OR Intention was to cause great bodily injury, OR A deadly weapon was used to kill. If the defendant was a juvenile, they are given a sentence under California’s three-strikes law)
Second degree murder by shooting from a motor vehicle with intent to cause great bodily injury(Intent to cause death is prosecuted as First degree murder)	20 years to life
First degree murder	25 years to life
Assault causing the death of a child under 8 years of age	25 years to life
First degree murder constituting a hate crime or of an operator or driver	Life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder with special circumstances	Death or life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Colorado

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

16–48 years (followed by 5 years of mandatory parole)

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Offense

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Mandatory Sentencing

Life with parole eligibility after 40 years (eligible for parole after 20-25 years if certain prison programs completed)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	16–48 years (followed by 5 years of mandatory parole)
First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile	Life with parole eligibility after 40 years (eligible for parole after 20-25 years if certain prison programs completed)
First degree murder	Life without parole

· By states › Connecticut

Second degree manslaughter

Offense

Second degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 10 years (minimum of 1 year if a firearm is used)

First degree manslaughter

Offense

First degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

1–20 years (5–40 years if a firearm was used)

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

25–60 years (eligible for parole if the defendant was under the age of 25)

Murder with special circumstances

Offense

Murder with special circumstances

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (juveniles cannot be charged with murder with special circumstances)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree manslaughter	Maximum of 10 years (minimum of 1 year if a firearm is used)
First degree manslaughter	1–20 years (5–40 years if a firearm was used)
Murder	25–60 years (eligible for parole if the defendant was under the age of 25)
Murder with special circumstances	Life without parole (juveniles cannot be charged with murder with special circumstances)

· By states › Delaware

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 15 years and maximum of life without parole

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Offense

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Mandatory Sentencing

25 years to life (defendants may seek a review of their sentence after 30 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Minimum of 15 years and maximum of life without parole
First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile	25 years to life (defendants may seek a review of their sentence after 30 years)
First degree murder	Life without parole

· By states › Florida

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

9 .mw- .mw- .mw- 1⁄4–15 years (if downward departure is not granted) Maximum of 30 years in prison if: the offender used a deadly weapon or firearm the victim was a vulnerable person under the care of the offender (a child under 18, elderly person, or disabled adult) the victim was an on duty police officer or a first responder the offense was committed during a hit and run Maximum of life without parole (eligible for review of sentence after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile) if the victim was: a vulnerable person, under the care of the offender (a child under 18, elderly person, or disabled adult) or an on duty police officer or first responder AND the offender used a deadly weapon or firearm

Third degree murder

Offense

Third degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

101⁄3–15 years (if downward departure is not granted)however the maximum enhanced to 30 years in prison if the offense had the intent to facilitate or further terrorism or the offender is a repeat offender.

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 16 years in prison if downward departure is not grantedMandatory minimum of 25 years if firearm was usedMaximum of life in prison without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was under 18)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death or life without paroleIf under 18, the offender must be sentenced to a term of not less than 40 years and up to life although with a review after 25 years from the Florida Commission on Offender Review

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Manslaughter	years (if downward departure is not granted) Maximum of 30 years in prison if: the offender used a deadly weapon or firearm the victim was a vulnerable person under the care of the offender (a child under 18, elderly person, or disabled adult) the victim was an on duty police officer or a first responder the offense was committed during a hit and run Maximum of life without parole (eligible for review of sentence after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile) if the victim was: a vulnerable person, under the care of the offender (a child under 18, elderly person, or disabled adult) or an on duty police officer or first responder AND the offender used a deadly weapon or firearm
Third degree murder	101⁄3–15 years (if downward departure is not granted)however the maximum enhanced to 30 years in prison if the offense had the intent to facilitate or further terrorism or the offender is a repeat offender.
Second degree murder	Minimum of 16 years in prison if downward departure is not grantedMandatory minimum of 25 years if firearm was usedMaximum of life in prison without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was under 18)
First degree murder	Death or life without paroleIf under 18, the offender must be sentenced to a term of not less than 40 years and up to life although with a review after 25 years from the Florida Commission on Offender Review

· By states › Georgia

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

1–10 years (felony) or up to 1 year (misdemeanor)

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

1–20 years

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

10–30 years

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 30 years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	1–10 years (felony) or up to 1 year (misdemeanor)
Voluntary manslaughter	1–20 years
Second degree murder	10–30 years
Murder	Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 30 years)

· By states › Hawaii

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. There is enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders (HRS 706-606.5).

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, with possible commuting of sentence by the governor to life imprisonment with parole at the end of twenty years of imprisonment.(For juveniles, they are eligible for parole) (HRS §706-656)There is enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders. (HRS 706-606.5)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. There is enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders (HRS 706-606.5).
First degree murder	Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, with possible commuting of sentence by the governor to life imprisonment with parole at the end of twenty years of imprisonment.(For juveniles, they are eligible for parole) (HRS §706-656)There is enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders. (HRS 706-606.5)

· By states › Idaho

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 10 years and maximum of life without parole

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of at least 10 years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Minimum of 10 years and maximum of life without parole
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of at least 10 years)

· By states › Illinois

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

4–20 years (up to 4 years are probational) Certain factors increase the maximum to 30 years (up to 4 years are probational)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

20–60 years (eligible for parole if the defendant was under 21), 45 years to life (if firearm used), up to life without parole under certain aggravating circumstances (eligible for parole after 40 years if the defendant was under 21)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	4–20 years (up to 4 years are probational) Certain factors increase the maximum to 30 years (up to 4 years are probational)
First degree murder	20–60 years (eligible for parole if the defendant was under 21), 45 years to life (if firearm used), up to life without parole under certain aggravating circumstances (eligible for parole after 40 years if the defendant was under 21)

· By states › Indiana

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

45–65 years

Murder with aggravating circumstances

Offense

Murder with aggravating circumstances

Mandatory Sentencing

Death or life without parole (defendant under 16 cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Murder	45–65 years
Murder with aggravating circumstances	Death or life without parole (defendant under 16 cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

· By states › Iowa

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

50 years with parole eligibility after 35 years (no minimum for parole eligibility if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum term can be determined by judge; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	50 years with parole eligibility after 35 years (no minimum for parole eligibility if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder	Life without parole or life (minimum term can be determined by judge; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Kansas

Second degree murder (unintentional)

Offense

Second degree murder (unintentional)

Mandatory Sentencing

9–41 years

Second degree murder (intentional)

Offense

Second degree murder (intentional)

Mandatory Sentencing

12.5–54 years

Felony first degree murder

Offense

Felony first degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 25 years)

Premeditated first degree murder

Offense

Premeditated first degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 50 years; 25 years if the judge finds compelling reasons warranting a more lenient sentence)

Capital murder

Offense

Capital murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life with a minimum of 25/50 years (only an option if the defendant is a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder (unintentional)	9–41 years
Second degree murder (intentional)	years
Felony first degree murder	Life (minimum of 25 years)
Premeditated first degree murder	Life (minimum of 50 years; 25 years if the judge finds compelling reasons warranting a more lenient sentence)
Capital murder	Death, life without parole, or life with a minimum of 25/50 years (only an option if the defendant is a juvenile)

· By states › Kentucky

Reckless homicide

Offense

Reckless homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

1–5 years

Second degree manslaughter

Offense

Second degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

5–10 years

First degree manslaughter

Offense

First degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

10–20 years

Murder (no aggravating circumstances)

Offense

Murder (no aggravating circumstances)

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 20 years) or 20–50 years

Murder (aggravating circumstances)

Offense

Murder (aggravating circumstances)

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life without parole for 25 years

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Reckless homicide	1–5 years
Second degree manslaughter	5–10 years
First degree manslaughter	10–20 years
Murder (no aggravating circumstances)	Life (minimum of 20 years) or 20–50 years
Murder (aggravating circumstances)	Death, life without parole, or life without parole for 25 years

· By states › Louisiana

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 40 years in prison (minimum of 10 years if the victim was a child under 10; eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 25 years; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Manslaughter	Maximum of 40 years in prison (minimum of 10 years if the victim was a child under 10; eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
Second degree murder	Life without parole (eligible for parole after 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder	Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 25 years; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Maine

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 30 years in prison

Felony murder

Offense

Felony murder

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 25 years and maximum of life without parole

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Manslaughter	Maximum of 30 years in prison
Felony murder	Maximum of 30 years in prison
Murder	Minimum of 25 years and maximum of life without parole

· By states › Maryland

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 10 years in prison

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 40 years in prison

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum of 20 years; the judge can suspend part of the sentence)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	Maximum of 10 years in prison
Voluntary manslaughter	Maximum of 10 years in prison
Second degree murder	Maximum of 40 years in prison
First degree murder	Life without parole or life (minimum of 20 years; the judge can suspend part of the sentence)

· By states › Massachusetts

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 15–25 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum of 20-30 years; only an option of the defendant was under 21)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Life (minimum of 15–25 years)
First degree murder	Life without parole or life (minimum of 20-30 years; only an option of the defendant was under 21)

· By states › Michigan

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Any term of years or life (minimum of 15 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or any terms of years (only an option if the defendant was under 21)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Any term of years or life (minimum of 15 years)
First degree murder	Life without parole or any terms of years (only an option if the defendant was under 21)

· By states › Minnesota

Second degree manslaughter

Offense

Second degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 10 years in prison (5 years for clean record)

First degree manslaughter

Offense

First degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 15 years in prison (7–10 years for clean records)

Third degree murder

Offense

Third degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 25 years in prison (12.5 years for clean record)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 40 years in prison (if a person had a clean record, 12.5 years but if intentional, 25.5 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 30 years; 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder if the murder was premeditated or involved rape, kidnapping, or terrorism, if the victim was a law enforcement or prison officer, or if the defendant has one or more previous convictions for a "heinous crime"

Offense

First degree murder if the murder was premeditated or involved rape, kidnapping, or terrorism, if the victim was a law enforcement or prison officer, or if the defendant has one or more previous convictions for a "heinous crime"

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (eligible for parole after 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree manslaughter	Maximum of 10 years in prison (5 years for clean record)
First degree manslaughter	Maximum of 15 years in prison (7–10 years for clean records)
Third degree murder	Maximum of 25 years in prison (12.5 years for clean record)
Second degree murder	Maximum of 40 years in prison (if a person had a clean record, 12.5 years but if intentional, 25.5 years)
First degree murder	Life (minimum of 30 years; 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder if the murder was premeditated or involved rape, kidnapping, or terrorism, if the victim was a law enforcement or prison officer, or if the defendant has one or more previous convictions for a "heinous crime"	Life without parole (eligible for parole after 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Mississippi

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory

Maximum of 20 years in prison

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory

Life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years) or 20–40 years

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Offense

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Mandatory

On or after July 1, 2024: Life (eligible for conditional release at age 65) or 20–40 years Before July 1, 2024: Any legal punishment (other than death) as directed by the court

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory

Life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years)

Capital murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Offense

Capital murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Mandatory

On or after July 1, 2024: Life without parole, life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years), or 25–50 years Before July 1, 2024: Any legal punishment (other than death) as directed by the court

Capital murder

Offense

Capital murder

Mandatory

Death, life without parole, or life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years)

Offense	Mandatory
Manslaughter	Maximum of 20 years in prison
Second degree murder	Life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years) or 20–40 years
First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile	On or after July 1, 2024: Life (eligible for conditional release at age 65) or 20–40 years Before July 1, 2024: Any legal punishment (other than death) as directed by the court
First degree murder	Life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years)
Capital murder if the defendant was a juvenile	On or after July 1, 2024: Life without parole, life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years), or 25–50 years Before July 1, 2024: Any legal punishment (other than death) as directed by the court
Capital murder	Death, life without parole, or life (eligible for conditional release at age 65 and having served at least 15 years)

· By states › Missouri

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 25.5 years) or 10–30 years

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Offense

First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (only an option if aggravating circumstances are present), life (minimum of 25 years), or 30–40 years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances) or life without parole.

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Life (minimum of 25.5 years) or 10–30 years
First degree murder if the defendant was a juvenile	Life without parole (only an option if aggravating circumstances are present), life (minimum of 25 years), or 30–40 years
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances) or life without parole.

· By states › Montana

Negligent homicide

Offense

Negligent homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 20 years in prison

Mitigated deliberate homicide

Offense

Mitigated deliberate homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

2–40 years

Deliberate homicide

Offense

Deliberate homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, life (minimum of 30 years), or 10–100 years

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Negligent homicide	Maximum of 20 years in prison
Mitigated deliberate homicide	2–40 years
Deliberate homicide	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, life (minimum of 30 years), or 10–100 years

· By states › Nebraska

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 20 years and maximum of life without parole (eligible for parole if the defendant was under 18)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole (reviewed by Nebraska state parole board), or 40 years to life (only an option if the defendant was under 18; sentence can be halved for good behavior)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Minimum of 20 years and maximum of life without parole (eligible for parole if the defendant was under 18)
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole (reviewed by Nebraska state parole board), or 40 years to life (only an option if the defendant was under 18; sentence can be halved for good behavior)

· By states › Nevada

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 10 years) or 25 years with parole eligibility after 10 years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, life (minimum of 20 years), or 50 years with parole eligibility after 20 years(Juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole even there was more than one death, in which case the same guidelines apply.)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Life (minimum of 10 years) or 25 years with parole eligibility after 10 years
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, life (minimum of 20 years), or 50 years with parole eligibility after 20 years(Juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole even there was more than one death, in which case the same guidelines apply.)

· By states › New Hampshire

Negligent Homicide

Offense

Negligent Homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

Imprisonment for a term of not less than 3 1/2 years and not more than 7 years

Causing or Aiding Suicide

Offense

Causing or Aiding Suicide

Mandatory Sentencing

For causing a suicide or suicide attempt, imprisonment for a term of up to seven years in prison.For aiding or assisting in a suicide or suicide attempt without causing the suicide or attempt, up to one year in jail.

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Imprisonment for a term of not more than 30 years

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life with parole or any number of years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life with parole (only an option if the defendant was under 18)

Capital murder

Offense

Capital murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (juvenile cannot be charged with capital murder)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Negligent Homicide	Imprisonment for a term of not less than 3 1/2 years and not more than 7 years
Causing or Aiding Suicide	For causing a suicide or suicide attempt, imprisonment for a term of up to seven years in prison.For aiding or assisting in a suicide or suicide attempt without causing the suicide or attempt, up to one year in jail.
Manslaughter	Imprisonment for a term of not more than 30 years
Second degree murder	Life with parole or any number of years
First degree murder	Life without parole or life with parole (only an option if the defendant was under 18)
Capital murder	Life without parole (juvenile cannot be charged with capital murder)

· By states › New Jersey

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 15 years and maximum of life in prison

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 30 years and maximum of life in prison (minimum of 63 years; 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder (with aggravating circumstances)

Offense

First degree murder (with aggravating circumstances)

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Minimum of 15 years and maximum of life in prison
First degree murder	Minimum of 30 years and maximum of life in prison (minimum of 63 years; 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder (with aggravating circumstances)	Life without parole (eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › New Mexico

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 4 years in prison

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 6 years in prison

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 18 years in prison

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 30 years; 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile, 25 years for multiple first degree murder convictions)

First degree murder with aggravating circumstances

Offense

First degree murder with aggravating circumstances

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile, 25 years for multiple first degree murder convictions)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	Maximum of 4 years in prison
Voluntary manslaughter	Maximum of 6 years in prison
Second degree murder	Maximum of 18 years in prison
First degree murder	Life (minimum of 30 years; 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile, 25 years for multiple first degree murder convictions)
First degree murder with aggravating circumstances	Life without parole (eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile, 25 years for multiple first degree murder convictions)

· By states › New York

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 15–25 years; life without parole if victim was under 14 and crime was sexually motivated)

First degree murder (juveniles cannot be charged with first degree murder)

Offense

First degree murder (juveniles cannot be charged with first degree murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum of 20–25 years)

Aggravated murder (juveniles cannot be charged with aggravated murder)

Offense

Aggravated murder (juveniles cannot be charged with aggravated murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Life (minimum of 15–25 years; life without parole if victim was under 14 and crime was sexually motivated)
First degree murder (juveniles cannot be charged with first degree murder)	Life without parole or life (minimum of 20–25 years)
Aggravated murder (juveniles cannot be charged with aggravated murder)	Life without parole

· By states › North Carolina

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 59 months (sentence without criminal record is 10 to 20 months)

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 204 months (sentence without criminal record is 38 to 80 months)

Second degree murder (inherently dangerous act or by unlawful distribution of certain illicit substances)

Offense

Second degree murder (inherently dangerous act or by unlawful distribution of certain illicit substances)

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 484 months (sentence without criminal record is 94 to 196 months)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of life without parole (sentence without criminal record is 144 to 300 months)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of 25 years; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	Maximum of 59 months (sentence without criminal record is 10 to 20 months)
Voluntary manslaughter	Maximum of 204 months (sentence without criminal record is 38 to 80 months)
Second degree murder (inherently dangerous act or by unlawful distribution of certain illicit substances)	Maximum of 484 months (sentence without criminal record is 94 to 196 months)
Second degree murder	Maximum of life without parole (sentence without criminal record is 144 to 300 months)
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of 25 years; only an option if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › North Dakota

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 10 years in prison

Murder committed under "extreme emotional disturbance"

Offense

Murder committed under "extreme emotional disturbance"

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 20 years in prison

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole, life (minimum of 30 years), or any number of years (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Manslaughter	Maximum of 10 years in prison
Murder committed under "extreme emotional disturbance"	Maximum of 20 years in prison
Murder	Life without parole, life (minimum of 30 years), or any number of years (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

· By states › Ohio

Offense

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

Offense

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

Maximum Parole Eligibility

One or more homicide offenses

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

One or more homicide offenses

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

25 years

Two or more homicide offenses if the defendant was the principal offender for at least two of them

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

Two or more homicide offenses if the defendant was the principal offender for at least two of them

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

30 years

Aggravated homicide (considered the purposeful killing of three or more people when the defendant is the principal offender in each offense), or murder (second-degree murder) or aggravated murder (first-degree murder) involving terrorism

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

Aggravated homicide (considered the purposeful killing of three or more people when the defendant is the principal offender in each offense), or murder (second-degree murder) or aggravated murder (first-degree murder) involving terrorism

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)

No maximum

Parole Eligibility for Defendants Under 18 (SB 256)
Offense	Maximum Parole Eligibility
One or more homicide offenses	25 years
Two or more homicide offenses if the defendant was the principal offender for at least two of them	30 years
Aggravated homicide (considered the purposeful killing of three or more people when the defendant is the principal offender in each offense), or murder (second-degree murder) or aggravated murder (first-degree murder) involving terrorism	No maximum

· By states › Ohio

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

4.5–16.5 years (if underlying offense is a felony)9 months to 3 years (if underlying offense is a misdemeanor)

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

4.5–16.5 years

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life with parole eligibility after 15 years (30 years if victim under 13 years old and committed with a sexual motivation; life without parole if committed with a sexual motivation and the defendant has a sexually violent predator specification, or involving terrorism)

Aggravated murder

Offense

Aggravated murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life with parole eligibility after 20, 25, or 30 years

Aggravated murder with capital specifications

Offense

Aggravated murder with capital specifications

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole or life with parole eligibility after 25 or 30 years (if victim was under 13 years old and the murder was committed with a sexual motivation, the minimum sentence is life with parole eligibility after 30 years; if committed with a sexual motivation and the defendant has a sexually violent predator specification, or involving terrorism, the minimum sentence is life without parole)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	years (if underlying offense is a felony)9 months to 3 years (if underlying offense is a misdemeanor)
Voluntary manslaughter	years
Murder	Life with parole eligibility after 15 years (30 years if victim under 13 years old and committed with a sexual motivation; life without parole if committed with a sexual motivation and the defendant has a sexually violent predator specification, or involving terrorism)
Aggravated murder	Life without parole or life with parole eligibility after 20, 25, or 30 years
Aggravated murder with capital specifications	Death, life without parole or life with parole eligibility after 25 or 30 years (if victim was under 13 years old and the murder was committed with a sexual motivation, the minimum sentence is life with parole eligibility after 30 years; if committed with a sexual motivation and the defendant has a sexually violent predator specification, or involving terrorism, the minimum sentence is life without parole)

· By states › Oklahoma

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 10 years and maximum of life (minimum of 38 years; portion of sentence can be suspended at judge's discretion)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of 38 years; portion of sentence can be suspended at judge's discretion)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Minimum of 10 years and maximum of life (minimum of 38 years; portion of sentence can be suspended at judge's discretion)
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (minimum of 38 years; portion of sentence can be suspended at judge's discretion)

· By states › Oregon

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 25 years; 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum of 30 years for adults, 15 years if the defendant was under 18 and only an option)

Aggravated murder

Offense

Aggravated murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 30 years for adults, 15 years if the defendant was under 18 and only an option)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	Life (minimum of 25 years; 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder	Life without parole or life (minimum of 30 years for adults, 15 years if the defendant was under 18 and only an option)
Aggravated murder	Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 30 years for adults, 15 years if the defendant was under 18 and only an option)

· By states › Pennsylvania

Third degree murder

Offense

Third degree murder

Mandatory sentence

Maximum of 40 years in prison (parole eligibility cannot exceed more than half the maximum sentence)

Second degree murder if the defendant was under 15

Offense

Second degree murder if the defendant was under 15

Mandatory sentence

Life (minimum of at least 20 years)

Second degree murder if the defendant was 15-17

Offense

Second degree murder if the defendant was 15-17

Mandatory sentence

Life (minimum of at least 30 years)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory sentence

Life without parole (eligible for commutation by governor provided there is a unanimous recommendation by the Board of Pardons)

First degree murder if the defendant was under 15

Offense

First degree murder if the defendant was under 15

Mandatory sentence

Life (minimum of at least 25 years)

First degree murder if the defendant was under 15-17

Offense

First degree murder if the defendant was under 15-17

Mandatory sentence

Life (minimum of at least 35 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory sentence

Death (aggravating circumstances) or life without parole (eligible for commutation by governor provided there is a unanimous recommendation by the Board of Pardons)

Offense	Mandatory sentence
Third degree murder	Maximum of 40 years in prison (parole eligibility cannot exceed more than half the maximum sentence)
Second degree murder if the defendant was under 15	Life (minimum of at least 20 years)
Second degree murder if the defendant was 15-17	Life (minimum of at least 30 years)
Second degree murder	Life without parole (eligible for commutation by governor provided there is a unanimous recommendation by the Board of Pardons)
First degree murder if the defendant was under 15	Life (minimum of at least 25 years)
First degree murder if the defendant was under 15-17	Life (minimum of at least 35 years)
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances) or life without parole (eligible for commutation by governor provided there is a unanimous recommendation by the Board of Pardons)

· By states › Rhode Island

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory sentence

Minimum of 10 years (eligible for parole after serving half the sentence) and maximum of life (minimum of 25 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory sentence

Life without parole or life (minimum of 25 years)

Offense	Mandatory sentence
Second degree murder	Minimum of 10 years (eligible for parole after serving half the sentence) and maximum of life (minimum of 25 years)
First degree murder	Life without parole or life (minimum of 25 years)

· By states › South Carolina

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 5 years in prison

Voluntary manslaughter

Offense

Voluntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

2–30 years

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or no less than 30 years

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	Maximum of 5 years in prison
Voluntary manslaughter	2–30 years
Murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or no less than 30 years

· By states › South Dakota

First degree manslaughter

Offense

First degree manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Any term of years or life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (if the defendant was a juvenile, they are sentenced to any number of years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances) or life without parole (if the defendant was a juvenile, they are sentenced to any number of years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
First degree manslaughter	Any term of years or life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)
Second degree murder	Life without parole (if the defendant was a juvenile, they are sentenced to any number of years)
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances) or life without parole (if the defendant was a juvenile, they are sentenced to any number of years)

· By states › Tennessee

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

15–25 years (Range I offender), 25–40 years, (Range II offender), 40–60 years (Range III offender)

First degree murder (no aggravating circumstances)

Offense

First degree murder (no aggravating circumstances)

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 51 years; 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

First degree murder (aggravating circumstances)

Offense

First degree murder (aggravating circumstances)

Mandatory Sentencing

Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 51 years; 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	15–25 years (Range I offender), 25–40 years, (Range II offender), 40–60 years (Range III offender)
First degree murder (no aggravating circumstances)	Life (minimum of 51 years; 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murder (aggravating circumstances)	Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 51 years; 25 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Texas

Murder (Second-Degree Murder)

Offense

Murder (Second-Degree Murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

5–99 years (eligible for parole after half the sentence or 30 years, whichever is less) or life (minimum of 30 years)

Capital murder (First-Degree Murder)

Offense

Capital murder (First-Degree Murder)

Mandatory Sentencing

Death or life without parole (eligible for parole after 40 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Murder (Second-Degree Murder)	5–99 years (eligible for parole after half the sentence or 30 years, whichever is less) or life (minimum of 30 years)
Capital murder (First-Degree Murder)	Death or life without parole (eligible for parole after 40 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

· By states › Utah

Murder

Offense

Murder

Mandatory Sentencing(Parole eligibility determined by parole board)

Life (minimum of 15 years)

Aggravated murder

Offense

Aggravated murder

Mandatory Sentencing(Parole eligibility determined by parole board)

Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 25 years; juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing(Parole eligibility determined by parole board)
Murder	Life (minimum of 15 years)
Aggravated murder	Death, life without parole, or life (minimum of 25 years; juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

· By states › Vermont

Second degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factors

Offense

Second degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factors

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life (minimum of 10–20 years)

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life (minimum of 20 years)

Second degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors

Offense

Second degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole) or life (minimum of at least 20 years)

First degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factors

Offense

First degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factors

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life (minimum of 15–35 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life (minimum of 35 years)

First degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors

Offense

First degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole) or life (minimum of at least 35 years)

Aggravated murder

Offense

Aggravated murder

Mandatory Sentencing Jju

Life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing Jju
Second degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factors	Life (minimum of 10–20 years)
Second degree murder	Life (minimum of 20 years)
Second degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors	Life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole) or life (minimum of at least 20 years)
First degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factors	Life (minimum of 15–35 years)
First degree murder	Life (minimum of 35 years)
First degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors	Life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole) or life (minimum of at least 35 years)
Aggravated murder	Life without parole (juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole)

· By states › Virginia

Involuntary manslaughter

Offense

Involuntary manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

1–10 years

Volnutary manslaughter

Offense

Volnutary manslaughter

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

5–40 years

Felony murder

Offense

Felony murder

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 20 years and maximum of life in prison (prisoners are eligible for geriatric parole when they turn 60; eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)

Aggravated murder

Offense

Aggravated murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole (ineligible for geriatric parole; eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)(Judge can use discretion to suspend portion of life sentence unless the victim was a police officer)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Involuntary manslaughter	1–10 years
Volnutary manslaughter	1–10 years
Second degree murder	5–40 years
Felony murder	5–40 years
First degree murder	Minimum of 20 years and maximum of life in prison (prisoners are eligible for geriatric parole when they turn 60; eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
Aggravated murder	Life without parole (ineligible for geriatric parole; eligible for parole after 20 years if the defendant was a juvenile)(Judge can use discretion to suspend portion of life sentence unless the victim was a police officer)

· By states › Washington

Second degree murder if defendant is under 18

Offense

Second degree murder if defendant is under 18

Mandatory sentence

Maximum of life with the possibility of parole after 20 years (10–18 years is standard sentence without criminal record)

Second degree murder if defendant is 18+

Offense

Second degree murder if defendant is 18+

Mandatory sentence

Maximum of life without parole (10–18 years is standard sentence without criminal record)

First degree murder if defendant is under 18

Offense

First degree murder if defendant is under 18

Mandatory sentence

Maximum of life with the possibility of parole after 20 years (20–27 years is standard sentence without criminal record)

First degree murder if defendant is 18+

Offense

First degree murder if defendant is 18+

Mandatory sentence

Mandatory minimum of 20 years, maximum of life without parole (20–27 years is standard sentence without criminal record)

Aggravated first degree murder if defendant is under 18

Offense

Aggravated first degree murder if defendant is under 18

Mandatory sentence

Mandatory minimum of 25 years, maximum of life with the possibility of parole after 25 years

Aggravated first degree murder if defendant is 18-20

Offense

Aggravated first degree murder if defendant is 18-20

Mandatory sentence

Mandatory minimum of 25 years, maximum of life without parole

Aggravated first degree murder

Offense

Aggravated first degree murder

Mandatory sentence

Life without parole

Offense	Mandatory sentence
Second degree murder if defendant is under 18	Maximum of life with the possibility of parole after 20 years (10–18 years is standard sentence without criminal record)
Second degree murder if defendant is 18+	Maximum of life without parole (10–18 years is standard sentence without criminal record)
First degree murder if defendant is under 18	Maximum of life with the possibility of parole after 20 years (20–27 years is standard sentence without criminal record)
First degree murder if defendant is 18+	Mandatory minimum of 20 years, maximum of life without parole (20–27 years is standard sentence without criminal record)
Aggravated first degree murder if defendant is under 18	Mandatory minimum of 25 years, maximum of life with the possibility of parole after 25 years
Aggravated first degree murder if defendant is 18-20	Mandatory minimum of 25 years, maximum of life without parole
Aggravated first degree murder	Life without parole

· By states › West Virginia

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

10–40 years

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum of 15 years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree murder	10–40 years
First degree murder	Life without parole or life (minimum of 15 years)

· By states › Wisconsin

Second degree reckless homicide

Offense

Second degree reckless homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 15 years in prison

First degree reckless homicide

Offense

First degree reckless homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

15–60 years

Second degree intentional homicide

Offense

Second degree intentional homicide

First degree intentional homicide

Offense

First degree intentional homicide

Mandatory Sentencing

Life without parole or life (minimum of no less than 20 years)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Second degree reckless homicide	Maximum of 15 years in prison
First degree reckless homicide	15–60 years
Second degree intentional homicide	15–60 years
First degree intentional homicide	Life without parole or life (minimum of no less than 20 years)

· By states › Wyoming

Manslaughter

Offense

Manslaughter

Mandatory Sentencing

Maximum of 20 years in prison

Second degree murder

Offense

Second degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Minimum of 20 years and maximum of life (minimum set by judge; can only be parole by governor if no minimum set)

First degree murder if defendant was a juvenile

Offense

First degree murder if defendant was a juvenile

Mandatory Sentencing

Life (minimum of 25 years)

First degree murder

Offense

First degree murder

Mandatory Sentencing

Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (can only be paroled by governor)

Offense	Mandatory Sentencing
Manslaughter	Maximum of 20 years in prison
Second degree murder	Minimum of 20 years and maximum of life (minimum set by judge; can only be parole by governor if no minimum set)
First degree murder if defendant was a juvenile	Life (minimum of 25 years)
First degree murder	Death (aggravating circumstances), life without parole, or life (can only be paroled by governor)

Tables

References