Second degree murder is defined as intentional murder that lacks premeditation and is intended to only cause bodily harm while demonstrating an extreme indifference to human life. The exact legal definition of this particular crime varies by the State and jurisdiction in which the offense is committed.
While some states don’t use the term “second-degree murder,” they probably still divide the crime of murder into two different degrees and impose lower sentences for the lesser crime.
These sorts of killings do not involve any planning on the part of the killer. At the moment the murder occurs, the killer definitely intends to kill the victim, but up until that moment, the killer had no plan to commit murder.
A second situation that constitutes second-degree murder is where the perpetrator intends only to cause serious bodily harm but knows that death could result from the act.
The third main type of second-degree murder occurs when a victim dies as a result of the perpetrator’s extreme indifference to the value of human life. Generally speaking, extreme indifference means an utter disregard of the possibility that an act will kill someone.
Some states also classify killings that occur during the commission of another felony as second-degree murders, although other states characterize these types of killings as murders in the first degree. It’s also important to note that an individual can be found guilty of felony murder even if they didn’t personally kill anyone.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you, and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer.
