A vehicular homicide is a serious charge because it will focus on potential legal fallouts and so much more. In most cases, accidents that result to death that are caused by traffic accidents are what this kind of conviction greatly focuses on. In most instances, the loss of life is most tragic especially when it is brought about by an accident.
Vehicular (Homicide) Manslaughter Laws in Las Vegas, Nevada
Although some circumstances involving vehicular accidents may not result in criminal charges, it still poses certain circumstances wherein this can be so. This is why it is important to know the rules that apply to the state of Nevada when it comes to vehicular homicide. Likely, having information about blood alcohol levels and legal limits will also come in handy for these types of DUI causing instances.
Definition of Vehicular Homicide
A driver must fall into one of these 3 categories in order to be charged with vehicular homicide:
- He or she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident;
- He or she already has 3 prior DUI convictions; or
- He or she “proximately caused the death of another person while driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle on or off the highways of this State.”
The good news is vehicular homicide laws are targeted to habitual DUI offenders. However, there is a separate offense for vehicular manslaughter that has nothing to do with DUI convictions and you may be charged with vehicular homicide instead if no alcohol or drugs are involved. If the prosecution believes that you have been grossly negligent in the accident or were operating the vehicle in a reckless manner without regard for life, they can charge you with the crime of vehicular homicide.
Definition of Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter is defined as “a person who, while driving or in actual physical control of any vehicle, proximately causes the death of another person through an act or omission that constitutes simple negligence.”
Getting charged with vehicular manslaughter is quite easy because the definition entails negligence on your part regarding things that are under your control. Running a red light, using a mobile phone while driving or not yielding are negligent behavior that could lead to this charge.
Penalties
Vehicular homicide is a category A felony:
- Imprisonment in state prison for a potential sentence of life to 25 years, with parole possible after a minimum of ten years.
- Additionally, your driver’s license may also be suspended or revoked.
Traffic Attorney in Las Vegas
It is imperative for you to retain legal counsel to help you with a vehicular homicide charge. Having a criminal defense attorney wade through the details pertaining to your case in addition to representing you before and during a criminal trial will always be in your best interest.
