Can Overdose Deaths Lead to Criminal Charges in Connecticut?

 Posted on March 31, 2025 in Drug Charges

Due to the ongoing opioid epidemic, government officials are more concerned than ever with the rate of deaths caused by drug overdoses. Because of the potential risks that certain drugs can present, people who are charged with drug crimes involving the distribution of controlled substances are likely to face severe penalties if they are convicted. However, the charges may become even more serious if a person is accused of providing someone with drugs that led to an overdose death.

Understanding the specific charges and penalties that may apply in these situations can be difficult, and those accused of drug distribution and related crimes will need to understand the steps they can take to minimize their potential penalties. A qualified Hartford, CT criminal defense attorney who has experience handling these types of charges can provide a strong defense, working to ensure that a defendant is treated fairly while fighting to protect their rights.

Manslaughter Charges Related to Drug Overdoses

The number of deaths due to drug overdoses has increased significantly over the last decade. In 2015, there were 736 drug overdose deaths in Connecticut, but that number rose to a high of 1,530 in 2021, and it has remained high in recent years. These rates have been attributed to increased rates of addiction to opioid painkillers, as well as the widespread availability of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than many other drugs and may sometimes be added to illegal drugs like cocaine or heroin.

In an attempt to address the issues of drug addiction and overdoses, law enforcement officials may pursue criminal charges against people who are accused of selling or distributing substances that led to overdose deaths. Some states have established laws defining the offense of "drug-induced homicide," which may allow prosecutors to pursue murder charges in these situations. While Connecticut law does not currently recognize the offense of drug-induced homicide, people who are accused of causing deaths due to drug overdoses could be charged with manslaughter.

In Connecticut, manslaughter offenses may be charged in either the first or second degree. First-degree manslaughter charges may apply if a person allegedly showed an "extreme indifference to human life." Knowingly providing someone with drugs that a person knew were laced with fentanyl may be considered extreme indifference. Otherwise, a person could be charged with second-degree manslaughter due to accusations that they acted recklessly and caused someone else’s death.

First-degree manslaughter is a Class B felony, and a conviction could lead to a prison sentence lasting from one to 20 years. Second-degree manslaughter is a Class C felony with a potential sentence of one to 10 years. Defending against manslaughter charges will require the assistance of an attorney who can help demonstrate that a person did not act recklessly or was unaware of the potential risk to a person who used certain substances.

Contact Our Connecticut Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers

Drug charges can be serious enough on their own, but when they are coupled with accusations of manslaughter, the possibility of a long prison sentence and other severe penalties increases. When facing these charges, it is crucial to have a skilled legal advocate who can fight for reduced charges, advocate for alternative sentencing, or seek an acquittal based on a lack of evidence or other factors. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our Hartford, CT drug charges defense attorneys can provide the representation needed to succeed. To learn more about how we can assist with these cases, contact our office at 860-290-8690 and arrange a free consultation.