On an indictment for felonious homicide, the jury may find the accused not guilty of the felony, but guilty of involuntary manslaughter. And on any indictment for maliciously shooting, stabbing, cutting, or wounding a person, or by any means causing him bodily injury, with intent to kill him the jury may find the accused not guilty of the offense charged, but guilty of maliciously doing such act with intent to maim, disfigure, or disable, or of unlawfully doing it, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill, such person.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 62-3-16

  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Offense: includes every act or omission for which a fine, forfeiture, or punishment is imposed by law. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10