What does Felony Murder Mean?
In the United States, a felony murder is a type of homicide that is committed during the commission of a felony, or during an attempt to commit a felony. This means that a person can be convicted of murder, even if they did not intend to kill anyone, as long as their actions were a direct result of their involvement in a felony. In this article, we will explore the meaning of felony murder, the types of felonies that can lead to felony murder charges, and the potential consequences of being convicted.
What is the Difference Between Felony Murder and Premeditated Murder?
Before we dive into the specifics of felony murder, it’s essential to understand the difference between felony murder and premeditated murder. Premeditated murder is a type of murder that is planned and intentional, with the perpetrator having time to think about and intend to commit the crime. Felony murder, on the other hand, is a type of murder that occurs during the commission of a felony, even if the perpetrator did not intend to kill anyone.
Here’s a key distinction:
| Premeditated Murder | Felony Murder | |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Perpetrator intentionally intends to kill | Perpetrator does not intend to kill, but homicide occurs during commission of felony |
| Planning | Perpetrator has time to plan and think about the crime | No time to plan, murder occurs in the heat of the moment |
| Felony | No requirement for a felony | Perpetrator is committing or attempting to commit a felony |
What are the Types of Felonies that Can Lead to Felony Murder Charges?
Felony murder can occur during the commission of a wide range of felonies, including:
• Robbery: Committing a robbery that results in the death of a victim
• Burglary: Breaking and entering into a dwelling or building during which someone is killed
• Arson: Setting fire to a building or property, resulting in a fatality
• Assault: Committing an assault that escalates to murder
• Kidnapping: Committing a kidnapping that results in the death of the victim
Consequences of Being Convicted of Felony Murder
A felony murder conviction carries significant consequences, including:
• Life imprisonment: In some states, felony murder is punishable by life imprisonment, with or without the possibility of parole
• Death penalty: In some states, felony murder is punishable by the death penalty
• Felony sentences: In other states, felony murder may carry a sentence of up to 25 years or more in prison
• Loss of civil rights: Conviction of felony murder may result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm
Defenses Against Felony Murder Charges
While felony murder is a serious crime, there are certain defenses that a person may use to fight the charges. These may include:
• Heat of passion: If the person claimed to have committed the crime was acting in the heat of passion, without premeditation, they may be able to use this as a defense
• Accidental death: If the person did not intend to kill anyone, but the death occurred as a result of their actions, they may be able to use this as a defense
• Duress: If the person claimed to have committed the crime was forced to do so by someone else, they may be able to use this as a defense
• Self-defense: If the person claimed to have committed the crime was acting in self-defense, they may be able to use this as a defense
Conclusion
In conclusion, felony murder is a serious crime that occurs during the commission of a felony, or during an attempt to commit a felony. While it is possible to defend against felony murder charges, the consequences of a conviction are severe. It’s essential to understand the meaning of felony murder, the types of felonies that can lead to felony murder charges, and the potential consequences of being convicted.
