Third Degree Murder

Third-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of 25 years, and requires proof that the defendant committed an act "eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life." In other words, prosecutors must show that Chauvin acted recklessly and dangerously, without necessarily intending to kill Floyd.

Second-Degree Manslaughter

This manslaughter charge is more along the lines of engaging in reckless behavior than murder. You could be charged with second-degree manslaughter if you knowingly or consciously take a risk that results in the death of a person. For example, you engage in negligent behavior with a gun on a hunting trip then accidentally shoot someone dead.

Second Degree Murder vs. Second Degree Felony Murder

second-degree murder, which carries a potential 40-year sentence and requires proof that the defendant intentionally killed the victim, without premeditation. The evidence seems sufficient to support such a charge – particularly given the astonishing length of time that Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck (more on this below). But prosecutors sometimes tend to be conservative in initial charges;

Minnesota's sentencing guidelines recommend up to 40 years imprisonment for an second-degree murder conviction. { https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.19}

The prosecuting Attorney said:

"According to Minnesota law, you have to have premeditation and deliberation to charge first-degree murder. Second-degree murder, you have to intend for death to be the result. For second-degree felony murder, you have to intend the felony and then death be the result — without necessarily having it be the intent."

When asked about the felony in question, he said, "We would contend that George Floyd was assaulted, so that would be the underlying felony."

Here is the assault statute in Minnesota - https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.02#:~:text=%22Assault%22%20is%3A,inflict%20bodily%20harm%20upon%20another.

Thao, Kueng and Lane each face two counts of aiding and abetting — one for second-degree murder and one for second-degree manslaughter. The charges carry maximum prison sentences of 40 and 10 years, respectively.

According to Minnesota law, aiding and abetting is defined as a "person is criminally liable for a crime committed by another if the person intentionally aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires with or otherwise procures the other to commit the crime."