Second-degree murder: penalties in each state
Killing another person on purpose, or with extreme disregard for human life, but without planning.
What to look for: Some states fix a minimum term. Others set only a maximum.
These are statutory ranges for a first offence, from the least to the most the law allows. A court decides the actual sentence in each case. Not legal advice.
9 states covered so far
Arizona
10 to 25 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Second-degree murder (Class 1 felony)
- Least
- 10 years
- Most
- 25 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $150,000
A first offence: usual term 16 years. For a person with an earlier second-degree murder or a serious dangerous felony, the range is 15 to 29 years. A different, higher range applies if the victim was under 15 (§ 13-705).
California
15 years to life (more in some cases)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Felony)
- Least
- 15 years to life
- Most
- Life. The term is 15 years to life; 20 years to life if the killing was by shooting from a vehicle; 25 years to life if the victim was a peace officer in the line of duty; and life without parole in a narrower case involving a peace officer
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000, where the offence sets no fine (§ 672)
Florida
Up to life imprisonment
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Felony of the first degree)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- A term of years up to life
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Murder in the second degree is a first-degree felony punishable by a term of years up to life (§ 782.04(2)).
Iowa
Up to 50 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Class B felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 50 years
A Class B felony, but § 707.3 raises the maximum from 25 to 50 years.
Maryland
Up to 40 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 40 years
New York
Life, with a minimum of 15 to 25 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Class A-I felony)
- Least
- A life sentence with a minimum of at least 15 years
- Most
- Life, with a minimum of up to 25 years (life without parole in a few listed cases)
- Fine
- Fine of up to the higher of $5,000 or double the gain from the crime (§ 80.00)
Texas
5 to 99 years, or life
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder (Felony of the first degree)
- Least
- 5 years
- Most
- 99 years, or life
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Texas's ordinary 'murder' (intentional killing, or intending serious injury and causing death) is a first-degree felony.
Virginia
5 to 40 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Felony (term set by the statute))
- Least
- 5 years
- Most
- 40 years
Washington
Up to life imprisonment
Show the degrees and the statutes
Murder in the second degree (Class A felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Life imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine of up to $50,000
Other states are being added. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
