Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident. Car accidents can cause thousands of dollars in property damage as well as severe, sometimes fatal injuries to those involved. The at-fault driver could be on the hook to pay for both property and personal injury damages. And that’s not the worst. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault driver could also find themselves facing misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter charges if another person was killed as a result of the accident.
What is Vehicular Manslaughter?
In California, manslaughter is the killing of another person without malice. This means the death resulted from a sudden act of passion or was an accident. The lack of malice, or intent, is what differentiates manslaughter from murder. Vehicular manslaughter is the killing of another human being – without malice – while driving a motor vehicle.
If you’ve been charged with vehicular manslaughter in Orange County, CA, you could be facing serious consequences if convicted. You could be facing up to $10,000 in fines, several years in prison, as well as the loss of your driver’s license. The conviction will remain on your public record, further complicating your life, potentially making it difficult to obtain certain jobs, qualify for credit, start a business, attend the school of your choice, etc.
The Four Types of Vehicular Manslaughter in California
There are four types of vehicular manslaughter in California:
Vehicular Manslaughter without Gross Negligence or DUI
Vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence or DUI could result in either a misdemeanor or felony charges. Factors the prosecutor will use to determine which include how and why the accident occurred, as well as any current criminal charges or past criminal history.
Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence
You could get charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence if you accidentally kill someone while driving a vehicle in an unlawful manner and with gross negligence.
Vehicular Manslaughter for Financial Gain
You could get charged with vehicular manslaughter for financial gain if you deliberately cause an accident for the purpose of filing an insurance claim and another person dies as a result.
Vehicular Manslaughter with a DUI
Vehicular manslaughter with a DUI means you accidentally killed someone while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is the most serious form of vehicular manslaughter; you could be sentenced to up to life in prison if you have prior vehicular manslaughter or DUI conviction.
Vehicular Manslaughter Laws Apply to Marine Craft As Well
The vehicular manslaughter laws apply to marine vessels as well. You could be charged with vehicular manslaughter in California if you accidentally kill someone while operating a motorboat, sailboat, or jet ski.
Speak to an Orange County, CA Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
A conviction for vehicular manslaughter includes jail time and fines. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter charge in Orange County, CA it’s vital that you take immediate steps to protect your rights. You need to contact Orange County, CA vehicular manslaughter defense lawyer Jim Tanizaki without delay.
Jim Tanizaki is a former Orange County DA turned criminal defense attorney. He knows the tactics the prosecution will use to try to get their conviction and how to create an effective defense strategy. His skilled representation often results in reduced and even dropped charges for his clients.
Contact the law office of Orange County, CA manslaughter defense lawyer Jim Tanizaki using our website or call us at (714) 655-7633 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and legal options.