Involuntary Manslaughter Motor Vehicle

Involuntary manslaughter means that a person had no intention of killing another person, but due to careless actions, he or she caused the death of another human being by mistake.   Vehicular manslaughter is defined as the crime of causing the death of a human being due to illegal driving of an automobile, including gross negligence, drunk driving, reckless driving or speeding.  It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts and specific circumstances of the accident.  Gross negligence may be charged as a misdemeanor, but drunk driving resulting in a fatality is treated as a felony.

Fines and Penalties

The list of possible penalties for involuntary manslaughter involving a motor vehicle varies widely in each state.  Some of the penalties can include:

·         Jail time of 1 to 10 years

·         Fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000

·         Victim restitution

·         Driver’s license suspension/revocation

·         Impoundment of motor vehicle

·         DUI education classes

·         Probation

·         Parole

·         Permanent mark on criminal record

Traffic Points and Impact on Driving Record / License

The Department of Motor Vehicles automatically suspends or revokes your driver’s license when you are charged with any serious traffic offense, especially when it results in the death of another person.  The period of time for the suspension can be anywhere from a period of one year to an individual’s lifetime depending upon the seriousness of the offense.  To reinstate a revoked or suspended license, a person must file proof of insurance (an SR22 form) in all cases and pay a reissue fee and any other licensing fees.  The date you are eligible to reinstate your driver license may depend on the amount of time you are incarcerated.

Hiring a Lawyer

Vehicular manslaughter is an extremely serious criminal charge.  An experienced vehicular manslaughter attorney may be able to challenge the charges or negotiate to have the charges reduced.  Vehicular manslaughter is often committed by someone who has no prior criminal background.  When this is the case, a knowledgeable lawyer may be able to ask the court for alternative sentencing, such as rehabilitation and counseling instead of incarceration or other severe penalties.