Speak Up! - View Question #581
« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #581

Question: How long can someone go to jail if they murder someone?

Answer: That depends upon which crime a murder is classified.

Reckless manslaughter (ARS §13-1103) is the killing of a human being or an unborn child without malice or premeditation (planning to do it); which is different than 'murder', which requires malicious intent. Examples of manslaughter would include someone who kills another person while driving drunk. In arizona, aiding someone while they commit suicide is also considered manslaughter.

Murder in the second degree (see ARS §13-1104) in Arizona is when someone kills another person intentionally and the act is not planned or premeditated.

Murder in the 1st degree (ARS §13-1105) in Arizona is a person kills another person deliberately and intentionally or recklessly with extreme disregard for human life; and the killing was premeditated or planned in advance. Also, if a person is killed during other specific crimes, a person can be tried for 1st degree murder (see ARS §13-1105 for more).

The penalty for these crimes ranges from about 10 years for reckless manslaughter (ARS §13-1103) to life in prison or even the death penalty for people convicted of 1st degree murder (ARS §13-703).

Comments
6 thru 10 of 13 comments
On 11/14/07
Sammie from OH said:
I think that going to jail for a murder is what every person who comitts a crime should get. But that is just my opinion.
On 05/12/06
Rachel from HI said:
I totally agree! I think that the person who murdered someone gets caught they should die, because they stopped someones life so there life should not be able to continue.I wish that everyone would just get along!! Its like the a small war going on, when a tiny thing happens a big war between the people start. First of all it is so imature. I am even more mature than that!!!!I picture life as a suitcase if something bad happens dont think about it put it in your head suitcase and when you get home or wherever talk to your parents so it doesnt start a big conflict!!!! thx
On 03/08/06
nikka from MI said:
I agree with all of your comments but if someone killed a person in my family i would want that preson to go to jail for life.
On 02/14/06
Meaghan from OH said:
A person who commented below is misunderstanding double jeopardy. It has a very specific meaning: if you are tried for killing someone, and are acquitted, you can't be tried again for killing THAT PERSON. But you can be tried for killing someone else. It's obvious -- I mean, look at the people who have multiple convictions for robbery or DUI or whatnot. Double jeopardy only applies to one incident at a time.
On 01/13/06
Daryl from IL said:
I agree that if a person commits a reckless crime they should punished in a more harsh way such as life in prison or even the death penalty.
6 thru 10 of 13 comments


Read more about the law and Violence
Related Stories
Related Laws
« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #581