Third degree murder is typically murder in which the offender meant to harm, but not kill, the victim. Such a charge is usually made when the perpetrator is considered to have acted with intentional disregard for the life of another. Depending on what court or state the charge is in, third degree murder is sometimes synonymous with the crime of manslaughter or second degree murder. Third degree murder differs from first degree murder in that first degree murders are premeditated or planned. The penalties are more severe—sometimes the death penalty, sometimes life in prison. First degree murders are considered to be particularly brutal. Peanlties for third degree murder can be up to twenty years in prison. Many courts and states do not have a third degree murder statute. In those states,