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.