Vehicular manslaughter is a serious charge, which is why it is important to know what exactly constitutes the allegation. Each year, there are over 34,000 deaths due to motor vehicle crashes, which is why it is important to know about this type of criminal charge in your state.
What Is Vehicular Manslaughter?
When a driver causes the death of another individual due to negligence, reckless or careless driving, speeding or intoxicated driving, one may find themselves charged with vehicular manslaughter (also known as vehicular homicide). Often, this type of homicide does not mean that the driver had an intent to kill someone, but it happened due to their dangerous driving.
Examples of crashes resulting in the death of another that could lead to a vehicular manslaughter charge include:
- Turning into a crosswalk without looking and running over a pedestrian.
- Driving while distracted and crashing into a pedestrian or biker
- Driving while intoxicated and killing another.
What are the consequences of a vehicular manslaughter charge?
- Vehicular manslaughter with negligence: This type of charge is classified as a misdemeanor and one may face up to a year in jail and a fine.
- Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence: This type of charge can be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the accident, up to six years in prison and a fine.
It is important to note that fleeing the scene of either of the crimes listed above may enhance the penalties of a vehicular manslaughter charge.
Facing a charge like this can be confusing and scary, but it is important to know what exactly constitutes vehicular manslaughter and what the consequences are.