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Vehicular Manslaughter Defense

Vehicular Manslaughter Defense

Vehicular manslaughter happens when a person is killed in a car crash under circumstances that could be considered unlawful. Vehicular manslaughter charges should never be applied to car accidents that are truly accidents, or where no illegal activity was taking place at the time of the crash. Cases of vehicular manslaughter are typically associated with issues like drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving or other causes that involve a driver willingly engaging in unlawful and potentially dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. If a person is killed, unintentionally, due to another person’s reckless, dangerous or unlawful driving behaviors, it’s possible to see charges associated with vehicular manslaughter.

Vehicular Manslaughter Causes

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Aggressive driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Road rage

A Vehicle as a Deadly Weapon

Although we use car, trucks, SUVs, vans and other passenger occupant vehicles as every-day modes of transportation, it’s important to remember that they are large enough, heavy enough and fast enough to be considered deadly weapons. A vehicle as a weapon is particularly devastating. This is why cases involving unintentional death due to unlawful driving behaviors are considered vehicular manslaughter. With these large, heavy and fast vehicles comes great responsibility. If you’re facing any kind of charges associated with using a vehicle as a deadly weapon or involving vehicular manslaughter, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney who has proven case experience as soon as possible.

DUI Vehicular Manslaughter

DUI vehicular manslaughter is one of the most common charges associated with vehicular manslaughter. This is because drunk-driving crashes can occur at high speeds and leave devastating, catastrophic and fatal consequences. If somebody dies in a car crash, and you’re being accused of drunk driving, you could be facing multiple very heavy criminal charges. In addition to DUI charges, you will also be facing vehicular manslaughter charges. If convicted, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in fines and expenses and multiple years behind bars.

Misdemeanor or Felony Vehicular Manslaughter

Depending upon the unique circumstances of your particular case, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter charges. Each case is different, but if you’re facing charges associated with DUI or if you have multiple offences in your record for this type of driving behavior, you could be looking at a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter. In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the charge from felony to misdemeanor. You will need to talk to your lawyer about the details of your case and what the correct course of action for the best possible outcome in your individual case.

Vehicular Manslaughter Punishments

Since cases involving vehicular manslaughter often have a variety of charges associated with the initial incident. It’s possible to see many different punishments and penalties tacked one to one’s case. If drunk driving was involved, you’re looking at a DUI. Issues with reckless driving, road rage and other criminal or dangerous behaviors can increase the likelihood of additional charges or penalties, if convicted. If you’re facing just a couple of misdemeanor charges, you could be facing less than one year in jail, if convicted. If you’re facing felony vehicular manslaughter or several felony charges, the penalties are going to be much harsher. You could be looking at five, 10 or more years behind bars, if convicted. Each case is different, and the unique circumstances and variables in your case will determine what if any penalties you could be facing if convicted. The important this is that you contact a lawyer, and the two of you can decide the best way to move forward to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Jackson Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer

Cases involving vehicular manslaughter charges are often tragic and heartbreaking for everybody involved. Even though you’re being accused of vehicular manslaughter, you’re still entitled to representation. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or felony vehicular manslaughter charges, it’s essential to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible about your case. A manslaughter conviction can have a long-term impact on your future. This isn’t a crime that many people can easily lookover, so the most important thing you can do after an arrest is get with a criminal defense attorney about your case immediately. It may be possible to challenge evidence, test results and a wide variety of factors in your case.

If you have been arrested or if a loved one has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in or around the Jackson Metro Area, contact the skilled and proven criminal defense team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for a free case consultation.

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