The Crime of Negligent Homicide in Ohio

Negligent Homicide in Ohio

Negligent homicide is negligently causing the death of another with a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance. Under Ohio law, you commit the crime of negligent homicide if you kill someone with a deadly weapon as the result of your negligence. A typical example of this crime might occur if a person was drinking while hunting and then accidentally shot and killed a fellow hunter.

The negligence required is not ordinary negligence but rather a “substantial departure” from due care. However, a failure to take proper safety precautions where there is a legal duty to do so satisfies the requirement of a “substantial departure” from due care.

The crime of negligent homicide is a first degree misdemeanor under Ohio law, and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1,000.00 in fines.