2026 Regular Session
SB 140
Increasing penalty for voluntary manslaughter
In Committee
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 140 seeks to increase the penalties for the crime of voluntary manslaughter in West Virginia. Currently, the punishment ranges from three to fifteen years imprisonment. This bill proposes extending the minimum prison sentence to five years before parole eligibility can be considered. The goal is to reflect a more serious approach to this offense.
Key provisions
- Increases the minimum prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter from three to five years.
- The maximum prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter is increased from fifteen to twenty-five years.
- Individuals serving sentences for voluntary manslaughter will not be eligible for parole until they have served a minimum of five years.
- The bill amends existing West Virginia Code §61-2-4.
Who is affected
- Individuals accused of voluntary manslaughter
- West Virginia residents potentially charged with voluntary manslaughter
- The criminal justice system in West Virginia
Notable changes
- Extends the minimum prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter.
- Increases the maximum potential prison sentence.
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