Defending Vehicular Manslaughter or Homicide Charges in Nevada
Vehicular homicide: it’s a horrendous crime on so many levels. It means that as the person charged with the crime, you are responsible for someone’s death. No, you didn’t intend for things to turn out this way—maybe you were behaving stupidly, and things got out of control. But someone is now dead, and the state is committed to making you pay.
What Constitutes Vehicular Manslaughter?
Negligence is at the core of vehicular manslaughter charges. Perhaps a driver exceeded posted speed limits, or maybe tried to make it through an intersection just as the light turned to red. Taking those kinds of chances can be dangerous on the road, and when it results in a fatality, criminal charges are likely to follow. If convicted, the driver whose negligence demonstrably led to someone else’s death could face six months behind bars and $1,000 in fines.
DUI Resulting in Death
When a person is under the influence alcohol exceeding state limits of 0.08 percent or of mind altering drugs, and winds up in an accident that kills someone or causes serious injuries, they could wind up facing felony charges that could put them behind bars for as long as 20 years, in addition to having to pay fines up to $5,000 and having an ignition interlock device and suspended driver’s license for a period of up to three years each.
Vehicular Homicide
Nevada law views vehicular homicide, on the other hand, as a more serious issue. When someone has a history of driving under the influence, there is a pattern that prosecutors see as problematic. With three or more DUI’s in one’s history, a fatal DUI is a felony in Nevada, and a conviction could lead to as many as 25 years in prison, with parole available only after 10 years.
The Aftermath of an Accident
What does life look like for someone charged with these kinds of crimes? There may be tremendous angst, regardless of the circumstances, in having had a part in someone’s death. At the same time, going to jail would change life forever, impacting family dynamics, employment, and quality of life for you and your family. Without question, a strong defense is essential going forward. Perhaps police made an error while administering the breathalyzer, or in the arrest itself. Or maybe a health issue impacted your driving, not drugs or alcohol.
Fighting for You
At Lobo Law our experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys fight for the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss the circumstances of your arrest, schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.
