While there are a number of charges that may result from causing the death of another individual, the two main charges stemming from intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person are Murder and Aggravated Murder.
Murder
Murder charges result when an individual intentionally causes the death of another, or causes the death of another while committing an act clearly dangerous to human life, while knowingly engaging in conduct which creates a grave risk of death and displays depraved indifference to human life, while committing another statutorily-designated crime, or when the victim is a peace officer.
Murder is a first degree felony punishable by a term of 15 years to life in prison. Unless waived, a jury comprised of eight individuals finds a defendant guilty or not guilty. Upon conviction, a judge sentences a defendant (which sentence cannot include probation).
Aggravated Murder
Aggravated Murder charges result when a person intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another under specifically listed statutory circumstances, including: during the commission of a rape or kidnapping, when two or more persons are killed in the same criminal episode, when the perpetrator is in jail or prison, or the victim is a peace officer or younger than the age of 14.
Aggravated Murder charges are less common than Murder charges and carry with them the possibility of the death penalty. Aggravated Murder is a first degree felony and the prosecution may file a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty, at which point the possible sentences upon conviction by a twelve-person jury include 20 years to life in prison, life in prison without parole, or death. The death penalty isn’t a possibility in aggravated murder cases when the prosecution doesn’t file a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty.
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