Murder / Manslaughter in Virginia
3,476 cases across 49 jurisdictions · 2023–2024
According to 3,476 public court records from 2023–2024, Murder / Manslaughter cases across 49 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 42.6% and an average conviction rate of 50.1%. Statewide, 16.5% of Murder / Manslaughter charges are reduced to a lesser offense. The average fine is $80,876.
Facing Murder / Manslaughter charges in Virginia? Dismissal rates range from 0.0% to 83.3% depending on the court. An attorney who knows your court can tell you what this means — free, no obligation.
Ask a Virginia attorney — freeDismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and nolle prosequi (prosecutor-dropped cases). Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Rates are averaged across 49 jurisdictions with available data. Data covers 2023–2024 public court records. Last updated: December 2024
Select Your Jurisdiction
Outcomes vary significantly by court. Type your county or city below to find it quickly.
Comparison by Court
| Jurisdiction | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate | Median Duration | Avg Fine | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond City | 378 | 46.9% | 44.2% | 10.2 months | — | 26.2 years |
| Portsmouth | 267 | 64.4% | 28.8% | 8.9 months | — | 21.1 years |
| Norfolk | 263 | 47.1% | 47.7% | 9.5 months | $50 | 20.9 years |
| Prince William County | 221 | 45.7% | 47.8% | 8.7 months | $50,000 | 30.9 years |
| Henrico County | 171 | 34.4% | 60.2% | 9.4 months | — | 26.7 years |
| Chesterfield County | 153 | 36.1% | 54.6% | 10.4 months | $651,250 | 27.1 years |
| Virginia Beach | 150 | 29.6% | 69.0% | 11.2 months | $1,033 | 22.3 years |
| Newport News | 131 | 22.8% | 63.2% | 1.0 years | — | 32.6 years |
| Petersburg | 111 | 54.7% | 30.2% | 10.8 months | — | 30.1 years |
| Suffolk | 104 | 37.1% | 48.4% | 1.2 years | $2,500 | 22.1 years |
| Hampton | 94 | 29.4% | 66.7% | 1.0 years | $1,000 | 26.7 years |
| Mecklenburg County | 94 | 46.8% | 48.4% | 1.1 years | — | 34.3 years |
| Chesapeake | 82 | 27.6% | 65.5% | 1.0 years | $1,625 | 34.4 years |
| Roanoke City | 77 | 40.0% | 60.0% | 10.6 months | — | 36.8 years |
| Spotsylvania County | 64 | 41.5% | 58.5% | 1.0 years | — | 25.4 years |
| Loudoun County | 53 | 22.5% | 62.5% | 11.6 months | $13,750 | 35.2 years |
| Henry County | 52 | 25.8% | 48.4% | 8.0 months | $2,500 | 23.4 years |
| Rockingham County | 51 | 25.0% | 71.9% | 1.2 years | — | 16.0 years |
| Lynchburg | 46 | 20.0% | 80.0% | 8.8 months | — | 34.2 years |
| Greensville County | 45 | 24.1% | 65.5% | 1.1 years | — | 22.9 years |
| Halifax County | 44 | 20.0% | 60.0% | 6.3 months | — | 15.0 years |
| Hopewell | 43 | 42.3% | 50.0% | 11.2 months | — | 33.8 years |
| Pulaski County | 42 | 60.0% | 30.0% | 5.9 months | — | 17.0 years |
| Accomack County | 40 | 30.0% | 60.0% | 1.5 years | — | 29.2 years |
| Stafford County | 40 | 61.5% | 34.6% | 9.4 months | $1,000 | 35.0 years |
| Danville | 38 | 25.0% | 70.8% | 7.9 months | — | 35.0 years |
| Fairfax County | 36 | 83.3% | 16.7% | 5.5 months | $2,500 | 1.0 years |
| Williamsburg | 35 | 76.7% | 16.7% | 1.1 years | — | 23.0 years |
| Dinwiddie County | 34 | 65.2% | 26.1% | 1.0 years | — | 20.0 years |
| Sussex County | 34 | 73.9% | 26.1% | 10.4 months | — | 5.4 years |
| Albemarle County | 33 | 60.0% | 30.0% | 9.3 months | $250 | 32.0 years |
| Franklin County | 33 | 41.2% | 58.8% | 6.7 months | — | 27.0 years |
| Fauquier County | 32 | 28.6% | 71.4% | 8.5 months | $1,500 | 26.4 years |
| Scott County | 32 | 50.0% | 43.8% | 5.6 months | $5,000 | 15.0 years |
| York County | 30 | 70.0% | 30.0% | 7.2 months | — | 29.8 years |
| Hanover County | 28 | 25.0% | 68.8% | 5.0 months | — | 12.2 years |
| Pittsylvania County | 27 | 33.3% | 50.0% | 9.2 months | — | 5.2 years |
| Arlington County | 25 | 33.3% | 50.0% | 8.1 months | — | 21.9 years |
| Nottoway County | 25 | 52.9% | 41.2% | 5.9 months | — | 32.7 years |
| Tazewell County | 24 | 53.3% | 40.0% | 1.4 years | — | 39.0 years |
| Wise County | 24 | 38.5% | 61.5% | 1.1 years | $1,000 | 27.8 years |
| Carroll County | 23 | 26.7% | 66.7% | 8.9 months | — | 18.2 years |
| Orange County | 23 | 66.7% | 33.3% | 3.6 months | $140 | 11.0 years |
| Martinsville | 22 | 62.5% | 37.5% | 5.9 months | — | 8.3 years |
| Augusta County | 21 | 46.2% | 38.5% | 9.7 months | — | 9.3 years |
| Charlottesville | 21 | 9.1% | 90.9% | 7.0 months | — | 26.7 years |
| Amherst County | 20 | 70.0% | 30.0% | 8.0 months | — | 8.0 years |
| Isle of Wight County | 20 | 0.0% | 75.0% | 9.3 months | — | 13.3 years |
| Washington County | 20 | 26.7% | 73.3% | 1.2 years | — | 23.3 years |
Source: Virginia public court records, 2023–2024 — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Case Dismissed?
If your Murder / Manslaughter case was dismissed or dropped, you may be eligible to have it sealed from your record.
Data source: Virginia public court records, 2023–2024. 3,476 cases analyzed across 49 jurisdictions. Last updated December 2024. — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Common Questions
Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results.
What's Next
Murder / Manslaughter dismissal rates range from 0% to 83% across Virginia. Your court matters. An attorney who handles Murder / Manslaughter cases in your court can review your case — free.
Want data specific to your court and situation? Check your case