Orange County Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer

Being convicted of vehicular manslaughter could result in:

• Lengthy imprisonment in Orange County
• High fines paid to state
• Money paid to victim’s family
• Suspension of your driver’s license

Contact to work on your defense case today. Just dial (714) 266-3945

How to Defend Against Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Orange County, CA

Vehicular manslaughter cases are often a combination of DUI law and homicide law. Attorney Goodman is well-versed in both of these areas of law, allowing her to build a defense for your case. She uses tried-and-true defense strategies but also thinks outside the norms to find unique approaches that lead to impressive case results.

Attorney Jacqueline Goodman may build your case while considering:

• Search and seizure issues
• Miranda rights violations
• Field sobriety tests
• Blood alcohol tests
• Police reports
• And more

She puts the burden of proof on the opposition. If the prosecution wants to secure a conviction, then they will really need to fight for it!

Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter in Orange County, CA

The penalties for a vehicular manslaughter cases are defined under Penal Code 192(c) PC, which describes the offense as a wobbler. The district attorney who manages your charges may opt to select either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of your specific case and your criminal history, especially in regard to your previous DUI convictions.

Some of the worst potential penalties if convicted can include:

• 16 months to 4 years in the California State Prison
• Additional and consecutive prison sentence of 3 to 6 years depending on extent of injuries inflicted
• One additional “strike” on your record due to California’s Three Strike’s Law
• $10,000 in fines
• 18 to 30 month alcohol/drug program
• Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) status for 3 years

There are also specific penalties for cases that are categorized under Penal Code 191.5(a), which is California’s “gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated law.” If you are determined to have caused a vehicular death due to gross negligence, your penalties can include up to 10 years in prison, or 15 years to life in state prison if you have two or more prior DUI convictions.

About the Watson Murder Rule

In California, when a drunk driving accident results in the death of a person, regardless of whether the victim was in another vehicle, in the car with the drunk driver, riding a bicycle, or walking, it is referred to as a Watson Murder. The Watson Murder Rule involves the theory of “implied malice,” so the prosecution may attempt to use the fact that a DUI suspect has previously been convicted of drunk driving to demonstrate that the act was not merely an accident but an act of malice. This charge is usually reserved for repeat DUI offenders who theoretically should know about the dangers of drunk driving.