Los Angeles Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

Vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime, and if you are convicted the consequences could follow you for life. Car crashes are among the leading causes of death in our country, but when law enforcement officers believe that it was not a simple accident, but that one of the drivers actually caused the death, they will normally make a charge of vehicular manslaughter. California Penal Code section 192 C describes manslaughter as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice, meaning that it was not deliberate. If you are accused of causing another person's death while driving your vehicle in the commission of an unlawful act and with gross negligence, you could face prosecution under this law. Examples of unlawful acts that lead to vehicular manslaughter charges include texting while driving, cell phone use, speeding and running a red light.

You will either be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the exact circumstances of the collision and whether you have any prior convictions. For a misdemeanor, you can be sent to county jail for a year, and a felony conviction will send you to prison for anywhere from 2 to 10 years. The charge will be much more serious if you are accused of committing manslaughter during a DUI. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can represent you during the case in order to get the charges reduced or dropped. It may be possible to prove that the cause of death was the other driver's actions, poor road conditions, a mechanical failure or some other factor. Any statement you make to investigators could add to the evidence against you, so you should not speak on the record without your attorney present.

Vehicular Manslaughter Defense in Los Angeles

Stephen G. Rodriguez and Associates has over 70 years of combined criminal defense experience, and we know how stressful and frightening it can be to be char ged with vehicular manslaughter, and you do have reason for concern. We will work tirelessly to find a swift and effective resolution to your case, so that you can move on from this experience with a clean record. It is often possible to negotiate a settlement out of court, but we will not back off from going to trial if that is what it takes to protect your rights.

Contact a Los Angeles vehicular manslaughter lawyer who will represent you throughout the case and guide you through this difficult experience.