Both manslaughter and negligent homicide are heavily prosecuted in Arizona and considered very serious crimes. Conviction brings lifelong consequences for you, your family, and your personal rights. Both are committed without intent or premeditation, but there are a few key differences between the two. Manslaughter is considered a more severe penalty because the person was aware that their behavior was reckless but continued to engage in the behavior. In negligent homicide, the person should have been aware of the recklessness of their actions, but they were not. The biggest determining factor is the person’s mental state at the time