How do murder charges work?
<p>In the recent trial of former officer Derek Chauvin, today he was found guilty on all charges.  Those charges include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Murder in the Second Degree (Murder 2)</li>
<li>Murder in the Third Degree (Murder 3)</li>
<li>Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Manslaughter 2)</li>
</ul>
<p>Now here's my question: One person died.  Three charges, all called &quot;Murder&quot; or &quot;Manslaughter&quot;.  Defendant found guilty on all.  How can someone be guilty of 3 different charges for killing someone when only 1 person died, without violating double jeopardy rules (that you can't be charged more than once for the same crime)?</p>

<p>These charges aren't the same offense. They are three different offenses, all of which arise from the same conduct.</p>
<p>Imagine throwing a grenade in a building because you saw a police officer about to discover evidence connecting you to a crime. I think most people would agree that there's no reason you could not be charged with murder, arson, and tampering with evidence under those circumstances.</p>
<p>Likewise, Chauvin committed multiple distinct offenses when he kneeled on George Floyd's neck -- for instance, murder charges are based on the act of causing a death, while manslaughter charges are based on the act of creating a risk of death -- and the state is free to seek punishment for all of those offenses.</p>
<p>Double jeopardy doesn't have any application to the case at this point. The Double Jeopardy Clause doesn't say you can't face multiple charges for the same conduct; it says you can't face multiple trials for the same charges.</p>

united-states murder double-jeopardy minnesota