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 Colorado, involuntary manslaughter is referred to as 'manslaughter' and is codified under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-104. It is defined as recklessly causing the death of another person or intentionally causing or aiding another person to commit suicide. Manslaughter in Colorado is considered a class 4 felony, which can result in penalties including a prison sentence of 2 to 6 years, a fine of $2,000 to $500,000, or both. The specific circumstances of the offense, such as the defendant's state of mind and the nature of the act that caused the death, will influence the severity of the charges and penalties. It is important to note that Colorado law distinguishes manslaughter from murder, which involves the intentional killing of another person and carries more severe penalties.