VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER ATTORNEY IN SAN DIEGO
Counsel from a Proven San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
Vehicular manslaughter is one of the more complicated criminal charges the California Penal Code has to offer. It is known as a “wobbler,” meaning, depending on the circumstances, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Whatever the charge is, however, the incident has resulted in the death of a person and requires aggressive and emphatic legal representation to successfully navigate the charges to the best possible outcome.
If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter, then contact us at The Law Offices of Top Criminal Defense Law Firms, APLC today to schedule a free consultation.
Ordinary vs Gross Negligence
Vehicular manslaughter is described in chapter 192(c) of the California Penal Code. The severity of this charge is very much based on the circumstances the prosecutors can prove caused the crash. This is generally separated into two different categories: ordinary negligence and gross negligence.
Ordinary negligence most often concerns minor driving infractions that lead to an accident. This includes texting while driving and not using a hands-free phone device. Gross negligence, however, concerns overtly reckless driving, such as excessive speeds, street racing, or traffic-oriented misdemeanors. Ordinary negligence is charged as a misdemeanor, while gross negligence can be sought as a misdemeanor or felony by the prosecution.
Penalties for vehicular manslaughter include:
- Ordinary negligence: up to one year in jail and $1000 in fines
- Gross negligence misdemeanor: up to one year in jail and $1000 in fines
- Gross negligence felony: up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines
Probation and license suspension are also parts of these sentences. It should also be noted that additional factors, like fleeing the scene, intentional collisions to collect insurance, and driver intoxication (DUI Drug Crimes) greatly affect the seriousness of these charges and leave the accused vulnerable to even more extensive penalties. To understand the specifics of your vehicular manslaughter charge and what penalties you might face, call our offices today to speak with a skilled San Diego criminal attorney.
Get a Proven San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
There are a number of defense strategies known to be effective in vehicular manslaughter cases, but all of them require skilled and knowledgeable legal representation. At The Law Offices of Top Criminal Defense Law Firms, APLC, our skilled, award-winning legal team has built its representation on passionate and diligent criminal defense on behalf of our clients and they are ready to provide the same kind of service to you and your charges today.
Start a defense you can be confident in today. Contact us today.