Vehicular manslaughter is a very serious charge that applies when someone’s dangerous driving results in a death. It’s possible for someone to be driving properly, in a fully legal manner, and still drive in such a way that’s dangerous or negligent, so much so that it causes someone to die. Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and potential penalties can vary widely, so if you’ve been arrested for vehicular manslaughter, it’s essential that you find a defense attorney who can help you navigate your case ASAP.
Potential penalties for vehicular manslaughter
If you’ve been charged with vehicular manslaughter, you’re probably wondering what penalties you’ll have to face if you are convicted. Penalties can vary widely depending on the facts of each vehicular manslaughter case.
For example, if you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cause an accident that kills someone, you may be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. If you already have a DUI charge on your record from the past 10 years, you may be charged with second degree murder.
But penalties could be on the lighter side, too. If it’s a misdemeanor charge and you don’t have a previous criminal record, you might just get a year in jail. But if it’s a felony vehicular manslaughter charge, you could be facing 10 years in jail. If the charge is in addition to a DUI charge, your sentence could be 15 years to life.
The judge has a lot of leeway in determining your sentence. He or she may add requirements like DUI probation, victim restitution, community service, and license restrictions or suspensions to your sentence if you’re convicted of misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter.
Don’t risk getting a conviction and overly harsh sentence
If you’ve been arrested for vehicular manslaughter in Southern California, the charge against you is very serious. You need to find a qualified criminal defense attorney who make defending you a top priority throughout your case. The best choice in the Upland area is definitely Attorney Torrence L. Howell. He has 29 years experience with defending clients from vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and various other criminal charges. Plus he’s always staying up-to-date with new developments in this legal category.
He will strive to achieve the ideal outcome in your case – whether that’s complete dismissal of the charge(s), a reduction of the charge and accompanying sentence, an acquittal, or any other favorable result.
Find out what you can expect from your vehicular manslaughter case
When you schedule your first consultation with Attorney Howell (it’s free), he’ll review all the pertinent information from your case and start devising your personalized defense strategy right away. He’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have and give you solid advice based on his many years of experience with vehicular manslaughter cases in Southern California. He’ll also start collecting useful evidence that will support his defense strategy in court. No stone will be left unturned as he meticulously prepares your defense.
If you want an attorney who will tenaciously fight for you and work hard to prevent a conviction in your vehicular manslaughter case, call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to set up an appointment with Attorney Torrence L. Howell today.
