Arneson and Geffen, PLLC handle all arrests related to vehicular homicide or vehicle manslaughter. Even though vehicular manslaughter is considered ‘accidental’, the law does not go easy on those convicted of vehicle homicide. In fact, you may be facing heavy fines, license revocation and a five to seven year prison sentence if convicted of this felony offense.
What is Vehicle Manslaughter?
Manslaughter is defined as a death that occurs without intention, either voluntary or involuntary. Vehicle manslaughter is usually classified as involuntary manslaughter as there was no premeditation to the accident. Vehicle manslaughter occurs when someone is killed in a vehicle accident due to operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
This could include speeding or reckless driving but more often occurs when someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance. You may also be facing vehicle manslaughter charges if you hit a pedestrian with your car, or if you cause death or serious injury while driving a recreational vehicle such as a boat.
Aggravating Factors in Criminal Vehicle Manslaughter
Your case will depend on a number of factors surrounding the situation. You may be facing more serious charges if any of the following apply:
- If you are found to have a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher at the time of the accident
- If you are driving without a license or with a revoked license
- If you are driving a vehicle that is known to be defective or not up to the safety standards
- If you are under the influence of any type of drugs, controlled, illegal or otherwise
Facing Vehicle Homicide Charges
If you are facing a vehicle manslaughter conviction, then it is important to keep in mind that you are innocent until proven guilty. Although vehicle homicide is considered a very serious offense, there are ways to defend against this including the causation defense and the faulty testing defense. If you are arrested for a case involving vehicle manslaughter, there is a good chance that you will need to have your blood, breath and urine tested for alcohol. Often these tests are inaccurate and there is a good chance we can prove this and reduce your sentence completely.
If you are convicted of vehicle homicide, you risk hefty fines, possible jail time and a black mark on your criminal record as well as your driving report. This means you will most likely have trouble with insurance ratings for the rest of your life and you may also lose your license indefinitely. This permanent conviction may also lead to troubles gaining employment and financial loans down the road.
Vehicle Manslaughter Defense Lawyers Minnesota
Arneson & Geffen, PLLC handle all vehicle homicide cases and can provide you and your family with the aggressive representation, dedicated legal assistance and a sound defense that will make all the difference to your case. Contact one of our skilled attorneys by calling 612-465-8581 for a free consultation.
Minneapolis Criminal Lawyer & Defense Attorney
Arneson & Geffen, PLLC represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.