c. 265, § 13

Manslaughter; punishment; business organization as defendant

Up to life Violence & Threats Ch. 265 · Crimes Against the Person

Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term

Whoever commits manslaughter shall, except as hereinafter provided, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail or a house of correction for not more than two and one half years. Whoever commits manslaughter while violating the provisions of sections 102 to 102C, inclusive, of chapter 266 shall be imprisoned in the state prison for life or for any term of years.

Any business organization including, without limitation, a corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity that commits manslaughter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250,000. If a business organization is found guilty under this section, the appropriate commissioner or secretary may debar the corporation under section 29F of chapter 29 for a period of not more than 10 years.

Simplified explanation

Manslaughter is punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, or life if committed while violating certain chapter 266 provisions; a business organization faces a fine of up to $250,000.