Understanding Vehicular Manslaughter

The legal word for killing another human being is manslaughter. Although a very serious crime, it carries less blame than murder, a crime which also carries an intention or state of mind to kill someone.

In a general sense manslaughter is divided into two broad types, involuntary and voluntary. Voluntary manslaughter might cover killing another in provocation or in a fit of passion. Involuntary manslaughter could be considered a death which occurs as an unintended result of another action such as negligence or drunk driving. This distinction can make a large difference in how a crime is tried and in the penalties upon conviction. These are critical legal points that should be examined by an experienced attorney in order to effectively build your vehicular manslaughter defense case.

Penalties for Manslaughter Associated with Automobile Accidents

Many vehicular manslaughter charges can be tried as a misdemeanor rather than as a felony. A relatively minor infraction of the driving law or negligence in the maintenance of a car won't trigger a felony. However if driving while intoxicated has resulted in the death of a passenger, pedestrian or another driver this will be treated as a felony in all likelihood. A vehicular manslaughter defense lawyer must be hired to help you.

The defense of a vehicular manslaughter DWI can be one of the most difficult and trying cases for a law firm. Often the individual charged has never had any serious legal problems and might otherwise lead a blemish free life. The victim's family is understandably distraught and seeking retribution and punishment, often civil suits are being brought in addition to the criminal charges. The level of evidence often requires a number of well-selected experts and even an accident re-creation can be called for. We at Alband, Lane & Balderama have spent years developing the resources, understanding and experience it takes to defend a vehicular manslaughter case.