NY Penal Law § 125.15: Manslaughter in the Second Degree
Understanding Murder vs. Manslaughter
If any actions that you take result in the death of another individual, even if it was not your intention that the person die, you could be charged with a serious criminal offense. There are different terms in the New York criminal code used to describe criminal offenses related to causing the death of another person. The term “murder” is defined as killing someone with the intent to do so, while the term “manslaughter” is defined as bringing about someone’s death without the intent to do so. Manslaughter cases generally tend to involve recklessness, negligence, or heat of passion.
Elements of Manslaughter in the Second Degree
You could be prosecuted under New York Penal Law § 125.15 for the crime of manslaughter in the second degree if:
- You recklessly bring about the death of another individual,
- You carry out an illegal abortion on a woman and the woman dies as a result, or
- You intentionally assist someone in committing their own suicide.
