September 11, 2014
Vehicular homicide is the killing of a person by the use of a motor vehicle, operated in a reckless manner by another person.
The term is sometimes referred to vehicular manslaughter in the state of Florida because the law does not require that the person responsible know that the accident resulted in death. In the state of Florida, vehicular homicide is one of the most serious traffic-related offenses anyone can be charged with due to the fatal injury caused to another person.
Charges
A vehicular homicide conviction is punishable as a first or second degree felony. The severity of the punishment depends on which type of felony conviction an individual is facing. Typically a second degree felony, vehicular homicide convictions are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and upwards of $10,000 in fines. An individual can be convicted of first degree felony vehicular homicide if they failed to give information to an officer or did not render reasonable aid to the injured at the time of the accident. This is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
In order to convict anyone of vehicular homicide, you must first prove they were driving in a reckless manner. Before the driver is prosecuted, the prosecution will first need to prove this recklessness on the driver’s behalf.
Contact a Lawyer
If you are facing a vehicular manslaughter charge, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence against you. They will also be able to explain possible defenses and help you develop evidence to support them. Options might range from obtaining a dismissal to pleading guilty as charged in exchange for a specific sentence. Only someone who understands how prosecutors and judges in your courthouse tend to handle cases like yours can give you realistic, helpful advice.
Our team at the Khonsari Law Group offers an initial, free consultation to all prospective clients to discuss the details of your specific case. Stop by our office now to find out what we can do for you.