Criminally Negligent Homicide

Oprah and dozens of other celebrities have campaigned against texting while driving. If an individual drives through a school zone, doesn’t pay attention to their speed, and then ends up hitting a child and causing their death due to a failure to stop in time, they could be charged with the criminally negligent homicide of the victim, instead of just texting while driving in a school zone.

Criminally negligent homicide can best be described as the “you should have known better” version of homicide. Instead of focusing on intentional conduct to kill the victim, criminally negligent homicide addresses situations where a defendant is aware of a situation should know it’s dangerous, but ignores a risk that results in the death of another like texting while driving through a school zone full of children. Even though it is the lowest category of homicide offenses, criminally negligent homicide is still a felony charge with felony consequences.

How is criminally negligent homicide proven?

A criminally negligent homicide requires the lowest mental state of all of the homicide offenses: killing due to criminal negligence. It is not the same case as proving voluntary homicide, criminal homicide, or premeditated murder.

Criminal negligence is where a defendant should be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk, and ignores or fails to appreciate that risk. Unlike reckless conduct, the state is not required to prove that the perpetrator was aware of the risk, only that the circumstances were such that they ought to have been aware. Continuing with the texting example, considering all of the publicity by celebrities, changes in local ordinances, and more signs posted now designating “text-free” zones, any defendant will have an uphill battle convincing a jury that they should not have been aware of the risks of texting while driving. The “ought to” standard is based on what a reasonable person in a similar situation would have perceived.

After the production of evidence of the mental state, the next element of a criminally negligent homicide charge is proof of causation. This is where the state must show some link between the negligent actions of the defendant and the death of the other person. It’s not enough to say “texting while driving is bad,” but there must also be some evidence that the negligent act was the reason that a child died. Causation is a common basis for many defensive theories.

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What defensive strategies are used?

Even though criminally negligent homicide falls into the category of homicide or assaultive offenses, many of the same defenses are not usually applicable. For example, self-defense wouldn’t work because of this a specific intent defense meaning that the defendant actually intended to do something. A defendant cannot negate negligent intent with specific intent. When statutory defenses, (like sudden passion, necessity, etc.) are available, they must be utilized in such a way that does not expose a defendant to a higher criminal charge through a higher level of culpability.

A common defensive approach is to challenge causation. Sometimes, accidents and bad things just happen. If a car swerves to avoid hitting a dog but hits another car, the result isn’t homicide, it’s just an accident. Because of improvements in 3-D modeling and computer-generated scale drawings, proving causation, or the lack of, has developed into a more viable defensive strategy. Even if a defendant cannot avoid a conviction, they may be able to convince a jury to assess a lower punishment or probated sentence, if they feel the event was more accidental than negligent.

What are the possible consequences of a criminally negligent homicide conviction?

Even though it is the lowest category of offenses, criminally negligent homicide can involve penalties including a prison sentence. The range of punishment can include probation and up to five years in prison. Unlike capital murder, defendants charged with criminally negligent homicide tend to have better chances at obtaining probation, mainly because of the lower mental state. However, these defendants are also required to pay restitution, which can often involve thousands of dollars.

Prison time is usually any defendant’s first concern. However, the pen trip is only the first in possible consequences. If a defendant was insured, they may also face a collateral civil suit. Once a defendant pleads guilty to criminally negligent homicide, they can also be sued for regular and punitive damages for causing the death of another. Criminally negligent homicide is one of the few criminal offenses that frequently overlaps into personal injury law.

Because it is a felony offense, some employers will be nervous about hiring a defendant convicted of criminally negligent homicide. If a defendant is not a U.S. citizen, the felony conviction can result in their deportation.

How can you get legal assistance?

Criminally negligent homicide is not a charge to tackle alone or with limited information. If the offenses involved motor vehicles or other types of property that are usually insured, a perpetrator may want to consult with a criminal defense and personal injury attorney. The combination of information can help a perpetrator preserve their rights, preserve evidence, and to protect themselves from any other collateral lawsuit.

Case Studies: Criminally Negligent Homicide

Case Study 1: Texting While Driving in a School Zone

John was driving through a school zone while distracted by texting on his phone. Failing to notice the reduced speed limit signs, he struck and fatally injured a child who was crossing the road. As a result of his negligence, John was charged with criminally negligent homicide. This case highlights the grave consequences of engaging in dangerous activities, such as texting while driving, which can lead to tragic accidents and legal repercussions.

Case Study 2: Failure to Stop Resulting in Fatality

Sarah, a driver on a busy city street, failed to stop at a red light due to inattentiveness. As a result, she collided with another vehicle, causing the death of the other driver. Sarah’s failure to appreciate the risk and act accordingly led to her being charged with criminally negligent homicide. This case emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and adhering to traffic laws to prevent tragic accidents and their legal implications.

Case Study 3: Workplace Safety Negligence

Mark, a construction site supervisor, neglected safety equipment and training for his workers. Due to his negligence, a worker fell and suffered fatal injuries. Mark faced charges of criminally negligent homicide for disregarding the significant risks at the construction site. This case emphasizes the legal responsibilities of supervisors and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.

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