Vehicular manslaughter is a form of involuntary manslaughter crime in Los Angeles that involves a motorist killing another in an accident due to negligence or recklessness. If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter, a Los Angeles vehicular manslaughter lawyer at Martinian Lawyers is available to provide you with legal assistance in your case.
We have successfully defended a large number of individuals in all manner of criminal cases, and we have the experience necessary to provide you with a strong defense. Contact us today to get started.
Vehicular Manslaughter Charges Explained
Vehicular manslaughter is defined under California Penal Code §192(c) as the causing of death while driving a vehicle either unlawfully or with gross negligence. It is important to recognize that there is no malice in cases of vehicular manslaughter and therefore, you could be charged even if you were just texting while driving when you caused the crash.
Other causes of accidents that could result in criminal charges include talking to a passenger, speeding, or staging an accident for monetary gain.
To be charged, it must be proven that the driver did one of the following:
- Drove unlawfully (ex: speeding);
- Drove lawfully, but dangerously (ex: talking to a passenger); or
- Caused the accident for financial gain (ex: insurance fraud)
If it can be proven that the driver committed one of the above, regardless of their intentions, the driver can be charged with manslaughter. This is a “wobbler” offense in the state of California and could be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the crime. Misdemeanor charges are typically punished with a year in county jail, while a felony is punished with two to ten years in state prison.
It is important to get the involvement of an attorney as soon as you can following a criminal charge. There are defenses that can be levied on your behalf and by working with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer, you will be able to have the strongest case possible built for you. For example, we could argue that you were acting lawfully and that the accident was not caused by you.
Regardless of the defense strategy that we utilize, you can be confident knowing that we will do everything that we can to protect your freedom against the possibility of conviction or to seek lowered charges and reduced penalties.
Contact Our Los Angeles Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney
While vehicular manslaughter is a crime of negligence that does not typically involve the intent to cause injury or death to another, it can still be penalized by up to 10 years in prison in certain circumstances, as well as other serious penalties. The specific manslaughter charge levied is based upon whether the motorist displayed gross negligence or simple negligence in operating their motor vehicle.
Vehicular manslaughter is a very serious charge that can result in disastrous consequences should you be convicted. It is imperative that you seek the help of a Los Angeles vehicular manslaughter attorney who can skillfully defend you against your manslaughter charges in a court of law.
It is possible that the fatal accident was not actually your fault, and was caused by another party, or by an uncontrollable factor (such as inclement weather), and an attorney can present this in court with the possible result of a full exoneration.
Contact our vehicular manslaughter lawyers in Los Angeles about your charges and we will prepare a legal strategy that is designed to see you fully acquitted of the charges against you. Obtain your free consultation today.
