Vehicular Manslaughter
Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Defends Drivers Accused of Negligence
Have you been arrested and charged with the crime of vehicular manslaughter? It is crucial that you understand the penalties that you could face if convicted and that you retain the aggressive representation that you need on your side in order to effectively defend against such serious charges.
The Law Offices of Kenneth H. Lewis has been serving the residents of Los Angeles, California in various criminal defense matters for a number of years. When you choose this firm, you will receive the aggressive defense that you need from an attorney with over 42 years of experience. Your future could be drastically altered by a vehicular manslaughter conviction, and it is essential to your future well-being that you are not wrongfully convicted of this offense.
There are many situations in which car accidents occur and an individual is killed or so severely injured that their injuries lead to death. Accidents happen, but there are some circumstances that can be identified as the cause of the accident that can be cited as reasons for arresting and charging a person involved in the accident with a crime.
The real question that comes into play in these cases is, "When does an accident become a crime?" This is a serious matter, and the general answer is that an accident can be classified as a crime when negligence or recklessness is involved. You need a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney on your side who knows the laws, can investigate your case, and can provide you with the defense that you deserve.
California Penal Code Regarding Vehicular Manslaughter
If you are involved in an accident in which another person was killed, then you could be arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter under California PC 192(c).
The negligent circumstances that must be present in your case to qualify for this charge include any of the following:
- Speeding
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Staging an accident for fraudulent gain
- Hitting a pedestrian at a crosswalk
- Other reckless or negligent behavior, such as being intoxicated while driving
If you are convicted of this offense, then you could face either felony or misdemeanor charges depending on your criminal history and certain aspects of your case. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, then you could face up to one year in jail. If you are convicted of a felony, then you could face up to 10 years in state prison.
DUI & Vehicular Manslaughter
Another vehicular manslaughter offense that you could be charged with is driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol according to California PC 191.5(b). In order to be convicted of this offense, it must be shown by law enforcement and the prosecution that you were driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, that you negligently committed an unlawful act such as speeding or running a red light, and that your negligence was a proximate cause for the death of another person.
This offense is also a wobbler, meaning that you could be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony depending on your criminal history and the unique elements of your case. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, then you face up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. If you are convicted of a felony offense, then you could face up to 4 years in prison, or up to 10 years if another victim suffered great bodily injury, and up to $10,000 in fines.
Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth H. Lewis Today
If you have been arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, then you need to waste no time in retaining the services of the Los Angeles criminal lawyer from this firm. Attorney Lewis begins each case by realistically evaluating the legal situation that you are in and then works to ensure that you are well informed of the possible outcomes. He pledges to fight hard for each of his clients as if they were members of his own family. When you choose this firm, you will receive representation to pursue and secure the best possible outcome for you.
Contact the firm today to discuss your situation and to begin pursuing the results that you need for your future.
