What Is Third-degree Murder? | The US Sun

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A JURY found former-cop Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts of murder on April 20.

Chauvin, 45, now faces a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison after he was found guilty of murder of George Floyd following a three-week trial.

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What is third-degree murder?

In the United States, the law for murder varies by jurisdiction.

In most US jurisdictions there is a hierarchy of acts, known collectively as homicide.

First-degree murder and felony murder are the most serious, second-degree murder, in few states third-degree murder, followed by voluntary and involuntary manslaughter – which are not as serious – and finally justifiable homicide, which is not a crime.

Only three states have third-degree murder laws: Minnesota, Florida and Pennsylvania.

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An individual can be accused of third-degree murder if they unintentionally cause someone else’s death while committing a dangerous act.

This is different from first-degree and second-degree murder charges, where intent is generally required.

How does each states define third-degree murder?

Minnesota, Florida and Pennsylvania each define third-degree murder differently.

In Minnesota third-degree murder is defined as “unintentional killing of another through an eminently dangerous act committed with a depraved mind and without regard for human life.”

One can be found guilty of third-degree murder in Minnesota through drug-related deaths by selling, delivering or a administering a controlled substance.

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In Florida third-degree murder is defined as “the unintentional, unlawful killing of a human being while committing a nonviolent felony.”

In Pennsylvania third-degree murder is defined as “any murder of a human being that is not first or second-degree murder.”

What is the max sentence for third-degree murder?

In Florida the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

In Minnesota the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 25 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

In Pennsylvania the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 40 years in prison.

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Was Derek Chauvin charged with third-degree murder?

Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter.

The 45-year-old former officer faces a maximum sentence of 75 years in jail, he will likely serve each sentence concurrently.

Chauvin’s sentencing is due to take place in eight weeks time, Judge Peter Cahill said.

He will await sentencing in jail after Judge Cahill revoked his bail after the verdict.

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On April 20 the Minnesota Department of Corrections said Chauvin was taken to a maximum security prison in Oak Park Heights, which is in Stillwater – 25 miles east of Minneapolis.

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Oak Park Heights is the state’s only Level Five maximum security prison and it is regarded as one of the safest for high-risk offenders.

As a former cop, he is also understood to be at risk from other inmates.