Homicide - Offenses Against the Person

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 82); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 310); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 476); November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 637); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 663).

§2A1.2. Second Degree Murder

(a) Base Offense Level: 38

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111, 2332b(a)(1), 2340A. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Note:

1. Upward Departure Provision.—If the defendant’s conduct was exceptionally heinous, cruel, brutal, or degrading to the victim, an upward departure may be warranted. See §5K2.8 (Extreme Conduct).

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 637); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 663).

§2A1.3. Voluntary Manslaughter

(a) Base Offense Level: 29

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. §§ 1112, 2332b(a)(1). For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 637); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 663).

§2A1.4. Involuntary Manslaughter

(a) Base Offense Level:

(1) 12, if the offense involved criminally negligent conduct; or

(2) (Apply the greater):

(A) 18, if the offense involved reckless conduct; or

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Last reviewed October 2023