Vehicular Homicide
There is no other type of impaired driving case that is more gut-wrenching than a vehicular homicide charge. Multiple families are affected by this tragedy. For the victims' family, the loss in unimaginable. For the accused, the potential loss of freedom can have devastating impacts on their family as well. These cases have a tendency to garner some media attention as well, making the chance of a fair trial even more difficult.
The vehicular homicide statute reads as follows:
(1) When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle:
(a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502 or
(b) In a reckless manner; or
(c) With disregard for the safety of others.
(2) Vehicular homicide is a class A felony punishable under chapter RCW 9A.20, except that, for a conviction under subsection (1)(a) of this section, an additional two years shall be added to the sentence for each prior offense as defined in RCW 46.61.5055.
Vehicular Homicide is a Class A Felony, which means that it is punishable by the potential for life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Vehicular Homicide committed while either driving under the influence or driving in a reckless manner is a Level XI offense and carries a minimum of 78 months of incarceration. Vehicular Homicide while driving with a disregard for the safety of others is a Level VII offense and carries a minimum of 15 months incarceration.
These cases are usually quite complicated and early investigation by the defense is critical to having any chance to mount a defense. Often times, the accident scene is not properly preserved so the need to conduct an independent investigation and site visit is critical. We have the experience in dealing with these sort of tragedies and have both private investigators and accident reconstructionists on call to assist in your immediate defense.
Vehicular Homicide is considered a serious violent offense and counts as a strike towards a most dangerous offender lifetime incarceration. For those charged of vehicular homicide, you cannot take a chance on an attorney who dabbles in these sorts of cases. You cannot rely on an attorney who handles a wide array of criminal cases. You need a specialist in this field and we can help you.