Involuntary manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence, recklessness, or during the commission of a misdemeanor (driving while intoxicated), infraction (speeding), or a felony crime that was not inherently dangerous. Involuntary manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment.
Involuntary manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.
In Pennsylvania, involuntary manslaughter is defined under Title 18, Section 2504 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. It is categorized as the unintentional killing of another person as a result of reckless or grossly negligent conduct, or during the commission of an unlawful act that is not a felony. This offense does not include deaths that occur during the commission of a felony, which would typically be classified as murder. Involuntary manslaughter is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree in Pennsylvania when the victim is an adult, and a felony of the second degree if the victim is under 12 years of age and the defendant is in a caretaking role. The penalties for involuntary manslaughter can include imprisonment, fines, or both, with the severity of the punishment depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the defendant's criminal history.