Being charged with killing another human being is typically the most serious crime a person can be charged with. If convicted, a defendant can face a life-long prison sentence or even the death penalty. People who are charged must get a top-notch defense attorney on their side. “Criminal homicide” is the legal term used when one person’s actions result in another’s death. There are eight different categories defined by statutes; they are as follows:
- Murder – Utah Code § 76-5-203
- Aggravated Murder – Utah Code § 76-5-202
- Manslaughter – Utah Code § 76-5-205
- Negligent Homicide – Utah Code § 76-5-206
- Automobile Homicide (Vehicular Homicide) – Utah Code § 76-5-207
- Automobile Homicide Involving a Cell Phone – Utah Code § 76-5-207.5
- Child Abuse Homicide – Utah Code § 76-5-208
- Homicide by Assault – Utah Code § 76-5-209
Various Charges Associated with Homicide
The crime a person is charged with is situationally dependent on the case and the person’s mental state. For example, if someone was driving while intoxicated and caused a fatal car accident, they could be charged with automobile homicide or negligent homicide. If the killing was intentional, then it is going to be a murder charge.
Capital Punishment in Utah
Utah is one of 30 states in which the death penalty is still viable. This punishment can only be imposed with aggravated murder. This is usually not what we think of when we say a crime of passion. Meaning the decision to commit a murder did not happen in the heat of the moment. Aggravated murder, by definition, takes planning, calculation, and malice aforethought to show this was a planned out, intentional killing of another.
If you are facing these serious charges or a loved one, you need an experienced legal team on your side. Having a homicide defense attorney on your side can help in various ways. Contact The Ault Firm today to learn more about our services and to request a case review.