Murder in Washington, D.C., law
Open-knowledge reference entry
Murder in Washington, D.C., law constitutes the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought within the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia, unlike U.S. states, is a federal district with its own criminal code. Murder is generally classified into first and second degree, with various penalty ranges determined by the District of Columbia Official Code.
Definitions
In the District of Columbia, first degree murder typically involves premeditation or the commission of certain felonies, while all other intentional, unjustified killings are classified as second degree murder. Both are felony offenses that carry severe penalties. The District of Columbia abolished the death penalty in 1981, and it is no longer available as a sentencing option.
Penalties
Under current law, the court may impose substantial prison sentences for murder convictions. Generally:
First degree murder: A prison sentence up to 60 years.
Second degree murder: A prison sentence up to 40 years.
If certain procedural requirements are met by the prosecution and an “aggravating factor” is found, the court may impose a prison sentence that exceeds these normal maximums.
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