Orange County Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney

Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense related to causing the unintentional, although unlawful, death of another person by way of recklessness or negligence. Vehicular manslaughter is typically related to DUI, when a drunk driver causes an auto accident that then causes the death of another driver or a passenger. Another example of a situation that may result in vehicular manslaughter charges is when a driver is racing or driving recklessly, with an extreme disregard for the safety of others.

Have you been accused of vehicular manslaughter? Contacting an attorney is one of the most important steps you can take in order to ensure that your rights and interests are well protected. At the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and what we can do to help you. We take on vehicular manslaughter cases throughout all of Orange County, California.

Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter in Orange County, California

Vehicular manslaughter may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense, depending on the specific case. A defendant's prior history of criminal offenses, particularly DUI, will influence the particular charges that one may face. Accordingly, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is categorized based on what may be considered "ordinary negligence" and "gross negligence."

Ordinary negligence may include actions such as speeding, texting, or forgetting to turn on your headlights while driving. The most serious penalty that may be imposed for a conviction of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, with ordinary negligence, is 16 months to 2 or 4 years in state prison, along with fines and a "strike" on the defendant's criminal record.

If the court can prove gross negligence, however, a defendant may face 4, 6 or 10 years in prison, or up to 15 years in prison if the defendant has prior convictions of this kind. Gross negligence may include actions such as excessive speeding or racing, intentionally running a red light, or driving on the wrong side of the road.

Interested in learning more about your rights and options in the face of your criminal charges? Contact an Orange County vehicular manslaughter lawyer at the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah today.