In Pennsylvania, if you have unintentionally struck and killed another
human being while driving recklessly or in a grossly negligent manner
and while violating traffic laws, you can be charged with vehicular homicide.
The prosecutors must prove, however, that:
- You acted recklessly or were grossly negligent
- You did cause a death
- The death happened while you were breaking a traffic law
- The breaking of that law resulted in the death
Death Caused by Racing or DUI - Grounds for Vehicular Homicide Charge
Even spur of the moment, unorganized racing can lead to
serious criminal charges. Racing that results in the death of another can be grounds for a vehicular
homicide charge. A death caused by a driver who was
driving under the influence of alcohol can also result in a vehicular homicide charge.
If convicted of homicide by vehicle, penalties include up to seven years'
jail time with $15,000 in fines and a driver's license suspension
of three years. Sentencing will depend on the nature of the specific individual
case, past DUI or other vehicular homicide convictions, whether the driver
was on probation at the time of the crash, and whether the crash happened
in a work zone or involved failing to pull to the side of the road for
an emergency vehicle, among other things.
Facing Homicide by Vehicle Charges in Pennsylvania?
At the law firm of
Parkinson, Tarpey & Lloyd, we will fight for your rights at every stage of a vehicular homicide
case. Each of our attorneys has also worked in the prosecutor's office
prior to turning to criminal defense. We understand how the other side
builds cases, and we will use that knowledge to develop a strong defense
in your behalf.
To find out more about how we can assist you in defending yourself against
a charge of serious vehicular homicide or any other criminal charge, please
call for a
free consultation at (215) 352-3432.
Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers defend clients throughout Philadelphia,
Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties, and we have more than 40 years
combined experience in criminal defense.