CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Vehicular Manslaugher

Consequences of Vehicular Manslaughter in LA: What You Need to Know

Vehicular manslaughter is a severe offense in California that carries stern repercussions. The driving force behind the state’s strict stance is the value placed on human life. When an individual recklessly or negligently takes another’s life through driving, they have committed vehicular manslaughter. Whether to charge you with a misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident and extent of damages.

California Penal Code section 192 recognizes vehicular manslaughter as a criminal offense, and the DMV reserves the right to suspend an individual’s driver’s license. Length of suspension is typically up to a year. However, specific circumstances surrounding the incident determine the suspension’s duration.

Punishment for Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence

If the driver is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol but drives with gross negligence, they can be found guilty of a misdemeanor offense. This comes with up to a year in county jail. Suppose the driver drives with gross negligence, and there’s a presence of drugs or alcohol, a conviction may carry a state prison sentence of up to ten years, even for first-time offenders. A conviction for a felony vehicular manslaughter may result in a sentence of two, four, or six years in state prison.

Furthermore, if the death is a result of the driver’s illegal financial gain, they may face a prison sentence of up to ten years. If the driver flees the accident scene, an additional five-year prison term could be added.

Punishment for Vehicular Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence

If the driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs but does not act with gross negligence, they are liable for a vehicular manslaughter charge. Punishment for a conviction may be up to sixteen months or six years in state prison. However, if the driver acts with gross negligence, they risk fifteen years or more in state prison. Furthermore, if the driver has previous convictions for the same offense or for driving under the influence, they may face a sentence of fifteen years or more in state prison.

An individual convicted of vehicular manslaughter may face additional consequences when arrested for drunk driving.

Why You Need an Experienced and Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyer

Driving that results in the loss of life is a severe offense that carries severe consequences. If you face vehicular manslaughter charges, you need the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Our Los Angeles lawyers, compassionate and knowledgeable, have represented numerous clients in difficult situations, including vehicular manslaughter. We are ready to evaluate your case’s merits and guide you through the available options.

Contact us today for a free consultation, where we will help develop a strategy that will yield the results. Remember, swift action is vital in criminal cases. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us for help.

Table: Types of Vehicular Manslaughter, Their Punishments and Circumstances

|Type of vehicular manslaughter|Punishment|Circumstances|
|—|—|—|
|Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter|Up to a year in county jail|No presence of drugs or alcohol, and no gross negligence|
|Felony vehicular manslaughter|2-6 years in state prison|Gross negligence, presence of drugs or alcohol|
|Felony vehicular manslaughter|Up to ten years in state prison|Illegal financial gain resulting in death|
|Felony vehicular manslaughter|Additional five-year sentence|Fleeing the accident scene|
|Vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence|Up to 16 months to six years in state prison|No gross negligence|
|Vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence|15 years or more in state prison|Gross negligence, previous convictions|