Vermont § 2311 - Aggravated murder defined
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 2311 — Aggravated murder defined, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2311. Aggravated murder defined
- (a) A person is guilty of aggravated murder if he or she commits a first or second degree
murder, as defined in section 2301 of this title, and at the time of his or her actions, one or more of the following circumstances
was in fact present: (1) The murder was committed while the defendant was in custody under sentence for murder
or aggravated murder. (2) The defendant had, prior to commencement of the trial for aggravated murder, been
convicted of another aggravated murder or murder in any jurisdiction in the United
States and territories. (3) At the time of the murder, the defendant also committed another murder. (4) At the time of the murder, the defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to
another person or persons. (5) The murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing lawful arrest by
a law enforcement officer of any person, or effecting an escape by any person from
lawful custody of a law enforcement officer. (6) The murder was committed by a person hired for such purpose in return for anything
of value. Both the person hired and the person hiring him or her are guilty of aggravated
murder. (7) The victim of the murder was known by the person to be a firefighter, a member of
emergency medical personnel as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 2651(6), a person employed in any capacity in or about a correctional facility, or a law
enforcement officer, and was performing his or her official duties. (8) The murder was committed in perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate sexual assault
or aggravated sexual assault. (b) In a prosecution for aggravated murder, the State shall allege and prove beyond a
reasonable doubt one or more of the circumstances enumerated in subsection (a) of
this section. (c) The punishment for aggravated murder shall be imprisonment for life and for no lesser
term. The court shall not place on probation or suspend or defer the sentence of
any person convicted of aggravated murder. A person sentenced under this section
shall not be eligible for parole during the term of imprisonment imposed herein and
shall not be eligible for work-release or noncustodial furlough except when serious
medical services make custodial furlough inappropriate. (Added 1987, No. 60, § 1, eff. May 16, 1987; amended 2019, No. 16, § 1, eff. May 6, 2019.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 2311
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 2311 cover?
Section 2311 ("Aggravated murder defined") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 2311?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 2311" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 2311 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.