Murder / Manslaughter in Virginia
439 cases across 11 jurisdictions · 2025
Charge statistics were restated in July 2026 — cases are now grouped by the Virginia Code section charged. What changed and why
Of 439 murder / manslaughter cases filed in 2025 across 11 Virginia jurisdictions, 201 reached an outcome — an average dismissal rate of 57.2% and an average conviction rate of 37.3%. Statewide, 15.7% of Murder / Manslaughter charges are reduced to a lesser offense. The average fine is $375.
Dismissal 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 11 jurisdictions with available data. Data covers 2025 public court records. Last updated: July 8, 2026
Key takeaways
- Across 11 Virginia jurisdictions, Murder / Manslaughter cases had an average dismissal rate of 57.2% and conviction rate of 37.3% in 2025 (439 cases).
- Dismissal rates ranged from 25.0% in Newport News to 100.0% in Suffolk among jurisdictions with murder / manslaughter data.
- Statewide, 15.7% of Murder / Manslaughter charges were reduced to a lesser offense.
Exhibit · Outcomes vary by court
Where Murder / Manslaughter cases are dismissed or dropped, by jurisdiction
Across the 10 busiest courts100.0% in Suffolk to 33.3% in Virginia Beach — same charge, different result by court.
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 | 139 | 65.8% | 34.2% | 6.2 months | — | 22.6 years |
| Hampton | 46 | 59.2% | 40.8% | 7.9 months | $375 | 20.0 years |
| Norfolk | 36 | 33.3% | 44.4% | 7.4 months | — | 26.2 years |
| Prince William County | 33 | 33.3% | 50.0% | 9.7 months | — | 16.2 years |
| Virginia Beach | 32 | 33.3% | 66.7% | 10.2 months | — | 32.5 years |
| Chesterfield County | 29 | 53.8% | 46.2% | 6.9 months | — | 13.3 years |
| Suffolk | 28 | 100.0% | 0.0% | 6.5 months | — | — |
| Henrico County | 27 | 52.6% | 42.1% | 9.1 months | — | 20.9 years |
| Spotsylvania County | 25 | 41.7% | 41.7% | 8.3 months | — | 69.4 years |
| Petersburg | 23 | 50.0% | 30.0% | 5.6 months | — | 49.7 years |
| Newport News | 21 | 25.0% | 75.0% | 8.0 months | — | 20.0 years |
Source: Virginia public court records, 2025 — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Related Virginia Statutes
Virginia Code sections associated with Murder / Manslaughter charges.
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, 2025. 439 cases analyzed across 11 jurisdictions. Last updated July 8, 2026. — 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 25% to 100% 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