Murder / Manslaughter in Virginia
503 cases across 12 jurisdictions · 2025
According to 503 public court records from 2025, Murder / Manslaughter cases across 12 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 53.5% and an average conviction rate of 40.7%. Statewide, 14.5% of Murder / Manslaughter charges are reduced to a lesser offense. The average fine is $236.
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 12 jurisdictions with available data. Data covers 2025 public court records. Last updated: May 2, 2026
Key takeaways
- Across 12 Virginia jurisdictions, Murder / Manslaughter cases had an average dismissal rate of 53.5% and conviction rate of 40.7% in 2025 (503 cases).
- Dismissal rates ranged from 25.0% in Newport News to 76.8% in Suffolk among jurisdictions with murder / manslaughter data.
- Statewide, 14.5% 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 courts76.8% 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 | 56 | 62.5% | 37.5% | 7.6 months | $375 | 20.0 years |
| Suffolk | 48 | 76.8% | 13.9% | 7.8 months | — | 10.0 years |
| Prince William County | 39 | 33.3% | 50.0% | 8.8 months | — | 16.2 years |
| Norfolk | 36 | 33.3% | 44.4% | 7.4 months | — | 26.2 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 |
| Henrico County | 27 | 52.6% | 42.1% | 9.1 months | — | 20.9 years |
| Petersburg | 26 | 50.0% | 33.3% | 6.3 months | $50 | 49.7 years |
| Spotsylvania County | 25 | 41.7% | 41.7% | 8.3 months | — | 69.4 years |
| Newport News | 24 | 25.0% | 75.0% | 7.5 months | — | 20.0 years |
| Roanoke City | 22 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 7.3 months | — | 56.5 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. 503 cases analyzed across 12 jurisdictions. Last updated May 2, 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 77% 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