Vehicular Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular manslaughter, or vehicular homicide, is most often charged as a form of involuntary manslaughter, a type of criminal homicide that occurs when a person negligently or recklessly causes the death of another person. Vehicular manslaughter may be described as causing the unlawful death of another person while operating a motor vehicle. Accidents sometimes happen, however, no matter how careful a driver may be. Vehicular manslaughter charges therefore usually will only apply if the driver was acting with criminal negligence or in a particularly reckless manner, with a wanton disregard for the lives of others.

DUI, DWI and reckless driving may all be factors in a vehicular manslaughter case. A driver who is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have impaired judgment and mental/physical abilities. By speeding, running a red light or otherwise violating a traffic law, a drunk driver may cause a fatal car accident. A reckless driver may be similarly dangerous. Reckless driving is most often associated with excessive speeding or with racing on public roadways. When a driver is driving above the speed limit or too fast for current road or weather conditions, this will increase the likelihood of a collision. In a scenario involving a drunk or reckless driver, if that driver displayed a wanton disregard for public safety, he or she may face criminal charges.

Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is typically a felony offense. Depending upon the state and county, a vehicular manslaughter conviction may result in fines, imprisonment, license suspension and more. In certain special circumstances, an auto accident may even result in murder charges. This will depend, however, upon the intentions of the driver and the particular case.

To learn more about vehicular manslaughter and to discuss your questions with a legal professional near you, click here to find a local criminal defense attorney.