The overall crime rate in Shenandoah is 35% lower than the national average. For every 100,000 people, there are 5.05 daily crimes that occur in Shenandoah, Virginia. In Shenandoah, a person has 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Homicide is defined as taking life and criminal homicides are classified as:
- Capital murder
- First-degree
- Second-degree
- Intended manslaughter
- Unintentional manslaughter
Among all the other crimes covered in any criminal code, those which deal with criminal murder are the most severe in terms of sentences involved. If you or anyone you love is facing such a charge, it could literally be a life-or-death state if the most serious charge has been filed.
Homicide is the killing of one human being by another human being. The term “murder” is often tangled with “homicide.” While all murders are homicides, not all homicides are murders. Without question, a person’s early death is always disastrous, but it is not always criminal. While murder is the most recognized of all the crimes, murder only accounts for a very minor portion of charged homicides. Though, all homicide charges are very serious and they need a talented, aggressive, and well-informed Virginia homicide lawyer with the skill and knowledge to emphasize a solid defense.
According to homicide law criminal homicides include either negligence or purposive intent, and range from unintentional murder (slaying another driver in a drunk driving mishap) to first-degree homicide (following and slaying a fellow of an opposing mob). Sentences also vary extensively, depending on the severity of the crime and other justifying factors. For instance, certain states sentence imprisoned killers to death but offer psychiatric treatment to those cleared by reason of insanity.
First Degree Homicide
A person is accountable of homicide in first-degree if the individual if he kills someone in a manner which is not covered by capital murder by any of these.
- Toxic, lying in wait, incarceration, or starved, or;
- Any intended, deliberate, and intentional killing, or;
- While executing (or trying to execute) rape, forceful sodomy, object sexual penetration, theft, break-in, or kidnapping.
Second Degree Homicide
Most often intentional but without premeditation — often perceived as the mid ground between intended manslaughter and first degree homicide charges.
Capital Murder
According to homicide laws in Shenandoah Virginia, capital murder is considered as class 1 felony and brings a punishment of the death penalty unless the sentenced person is under 18, in which case he would be punished to life in prison. A fine of up to $100,000 could also be considered. If an individual is imprisoned of capital murder, there is an added proceeding after his hearing to select whether to levy a sentence of death or life in jail.
Intended Manslaughter
Usually a murder which was intended, but done in the heat of the moment.
Unintentional Manslaughter
According to homicide laws in Shenandoah Virginia, this includes killing which is not on purpose but it results from irresponsible or careless behavior.