Is killing a police officer a capital offense?

Since the murder of a federal law enforcement officer is a capital offense and is subject to the death penalty, why not simply expand this statute. Inconsistencies across jurisdictions put police officers at risk. Part of the value of a death penalty is deterrence. read more

Examples of capital offenses include first degree murder (premeditated), murder with special circumstances (such as intentional, multiple, involved with another crime, with guns, of a police officer, or a repeat offense), and rape with additional bodily harm, and the federal crime of treason. read more

Killing a police officer is a capital felony, punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of release. It is one of nine capital felonies. For anyone convicted of a capital felony, the law requires a separate sentencing hearing before a judge or jury to weigh mitigating and aggravating factors. read more

Fleeing a police officer is a misdemeanor in some jurisdictions and a felony in others. Absent injury or prior offenses, DWI is usually a misdemeanor. In most jurisdictions, the maximum punishment for a misdemeanor is a $1000 fine and six months in jail for each charge. read more