Traffic Violations: Intoxication Manslaughter Motor Vehicle Fines, Traffic Points and Defense

Intoxication manslaughter is an offense that occurs when a person operates any type of vehicle while intoxicated, and while doing so, accidentally or mistakenly kills someone else. Vehicular manslaughter is a felony charge that holds a person liable for any death that occurs due to his or her criminal negligence or a violation of traffic safety laws. A person it guilty of involuntary manslaughter if he or she causes the death of another individual as a result of doing any of the following while intoxicated:

· Operating a motor vehicle in a public place

· Operating an aircraft

· Operating a watercraft

· Operating an amusement park ride

· Assembling a mobile amusement park ride

Fines and Penalties

The penalties for a conviction of vehicular manslaughter caused by DUI with gross negligence can be quite severe and may include the following:

· Up to 10 years in prison

· Suspension/revocation of driving privileges

· Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling

· Probation

· Steep fines

· Community Service

· The inability to lawfully own a firearm and obtain certain types of employment

· A permanent mark on their record

· Other criminal penalties may apply in certain states

Traffic Points and Impact on Driving Record / License

Some states have a system that assigns a point value to various types of traffic offenses. The Department of Motor Vehicles keeps track of the driving records and assigns higher points for serious offenses. A conviction of manslaughter involving driving under the influence carries a penalty of 6 points against your license.

Hiring a Lawyer

An arrest for Vehicular Manslaughter DUI can happen even if being under the influence was not the direct cause of the accident. It is important that you retain a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending against intoxication manslaughter charges. Your defense may likely depend on accident reconstruction, forensic evidence, blood-alcohol content tests and medical expert testimony.

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