Denver Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer
If you are found to have caused a traffic collision and any party died as a result, including your own passenger, you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Manslaughter is a felony offense that carries a penalty of up to six years, and up to 12 years for a DUI crash. Denver vehicular manslaughter lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law recognizes the fear and uncertainty that you must be feeling at this time, and is here to help you understand your rights and find the right path forward during your legal defense.
Vehicular Manslaughter Caused by Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is the wanton or willful disregard for the safety of other road users. Put simply, it is driving in a manner that is likely to cause a collision. Examples include excessive speeding, street racing, driving on the wrong side of the road, passing a stopped school bus, speeding through red lights, and weaving through traffic on the highway. Reckless driving resulting in the death of another is a class 4 felony, punishable by two to six years in prison, fines between $2,000 and $500,000, license suspension, probation, and community service. Proving reckless driving can be difficult for prosecutors, as the distinction between careless driving and reckless driving can be hard to establish.
DUI Vehicular Manslaughter (Caused By Intoxicated Driving)
DUI vehicular manslaughter is an even greater offense than reckless driving manslaughter. As a Class 3 felony, DUI vehicular manslaughter is punishable by four to 12 years in prison, fines between $3,000 and $750,000, license suspension, probation, community service, and drug or alcohol courses or treatment.
Defenses Against Vehicular Manslaughter
Being charged with vehicular manslaughter does not mean that you committed the act, or that you will be convicted. A skilled traffic offense lawyer should be able to analyze and provide the prosecution’s case for cracks and weaknesses. Oftentimes, there is insufficient evidence or problems with the police report. There are many defenses against vehicular manslaughter, including:
- Lack of evidence that your actions caused the collision
- Lack of evidence that you were driving recklessly
- Your DUI breath or blood test results were inaccurate
- Police violated your civil rights
- You were not actually behind the wheel during the crash
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Aggressive driving, speeding, texting and driving, and road rage are all on the rise here in Colorado and across the country. Nearly 50,000 Americans die on the roads each year, with millions more being injured. Prosecutors are beginning to crack down on perpetrators of serious crashes that result in injury or death. You must be prepared for the fight ahead, because as a defendant in a vehicular manslaughter case, you are facing serious prison time, even if you had a previously clean driving record. Denver vehicular manslaughter lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law is here to help in every way possible, and has the proven track record to have your penalties reduced through negotiating a plea deal, or having your case dismissed outright. Call DeChant Law today at 720-634-6789 for a free case evaluation.
