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What is third-degree murder?

A JURY found former-cop Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts of murder on April 20.

, 45, now faces a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison after following a three-week trial.

Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter
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Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughterCredit: Getty

What is third-degree murder?

In the , the law for murder varies by jurisdiction.

In most US jurisdictions there is a hierarchy of acts, known collectively as homicide.

First-degree murder and felony murder are the most serious, s, in few states third-degree murder, followed by voluntary and involuntary manslaughter - which are not as serious - and finally justifiable homicide, which is not a crime.

Only three states have third-degree murder laws: , and .

Only three states have third-degree murder laws: Minnesota, Florida and Pennsylvania
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Only three states have third-degree murder laws: Minnesota, Florida and PennsylvaniaCredit: Getty

An individual can be accused of third-degree murder if they unintentionally cause someone else's death while committing a dangerous act.

This is different from first-degree and second-degree murder charges, where intent is generally required.

How does each states define third-degree murder?

Minnesota, Florida and Pennsylvania each define third-degree murder differently.

In Minnesota third-degree murder is defined as "unintentional killing of another through an eminently dangerous act committed with a depraved mind and without regard for human life."

One can be found guilty of third-degree murder in Minnesota through drug-related deaths by selling, delivering or a administering a controlled substance.

A third-degree murder conviction is defined different in each of the three states
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A third-degree murder conviction is defined different in each of the three statesCredit: Getty

In Florida third-degree murder is defined as "the unintentional, unlawful killing of a human being while committing a nonviolent felony."

In Pennsylvania third-degree murder is defined as "any murder of a human being that is not first or second-degree murder."

What is the max sentence for third-degree murder?

In Florida the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

In Minnesota the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 25 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

In Pennsylvania the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 40 years in prison.

In Minnesota the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 25 years in prison
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In Minnesota the penalty of a third-degree murder conviction is up to 25 years in prisonCredit: Getty

Was Derek Chauvin charged with third-degree murder?

Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter.

The 45-year-old former officer faces a , he will likely serve each sentence concurrently.

Chauvin’s sentencing is due to take place in eight weeks time, said.

He will await sentencing in jail after Judge Cahill revoked his bail after the verdict.

Derek Chauvin faces a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison
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Derek Chauvin faces a maximum sentence of 75 years in prisonCredit: AFP

On April 20 the Minnesota Department of Corrections said Chauvin was taken to a maximum security prison in Oak Park Heights, which is in Stillwater - 25 miles east of .

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Oak Park Heights is the state's only Level Five maximum security prison and it is regarded as one of the safest for high-risk offenders.

As a former cop, he is also understood to be at risk from other inmates.

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