Understanding the difference between murder and manslaughter is imperative when facing related criminal charges in Iowa. Keep reading and speak with a knowledgeable Dallas County homicide lawyer to secure skilled representation in your case.

How is Murder Defined?

Murder in the first degree is defined as any of the following actions, according to Iowa Code 707.2.

  • Killing a person willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation
  • Killing a person while participating in a forcible felony
  • Killing a person while escaping or attempting to escape from lawful custody
  • Intentionally killing a peace officer, correctional officer, public employee, or hostage while being imprisoned in a correctional institution under the jurisdiction of the Iowa department of corrections, or in a city or county jail
  • Killing a child while committing child endangerment or while committing assault upon the child, and the death occurring under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to human life
  • Killing a person while participating in an act of terrorism

Any other murder that is not considered first-degree based on the circumstances can be charged as second-degree murder.

How is Manslaughter Defined?

According to Iowa state law, manslaughter is divided into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. Under Iowa Code 707.4, voluntary manslaughter is defined as the following.

  • Causing the death of another person under circumstances which would otherwise be murder, if the person causing the death acts solely as the result of sudden, violent, and irresistible passion resulting from serious provocation sufficient to excite such passion in a person and there is not an interval between the provocation and the killing in which a person of ordinary reason and temperament would regain control and suppress the impulse to kill

Involuntary manslaughter is defined under Section 707.5 as follows.

  • Unintentionally causing the death of another person by the commission of a public offense other than a forcible felony or escape
  • Unintentionally causing the death of another person by the commission of an act in a manner likely to cause death or serious injury

What’s the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter in IA?

The main difference between murder and manslaughter in Iowa is the offender’s intention. In a murder, the perpetrator either planned to take the life of the victim or purposefully engaged in a felony or other offense that caused their death. They knew they were doing something wrong, and their behavior was premeditated.

However, when manslaughter occurs, nothing is planned out. The offender either unintentionally causes the death through their reckless or negligent behavior, or they purposefully kill the victim in the heat of the moment. The verbiage is important in voluntary manslaughter. Yes, the offender intentionally took the victim’s life. However, they did not plan to and only acted in such a way because the heat of the moment compelled them.

If you have questions or concerns about murder and manslaughter charges, consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney today.