Vehicular Homicide or Manslaughter

July 29th, 2011 | Author: | Criminal Law

Vehicular homicide or manslaughter is a criminal offense that occurs when a driver, through negligent or reckless driving activities, unintentionally causes another individual to be killed. In Texas, vehicular homicide is differentiated from vehicular manslaughter as a slightly lesser crime. In general, vehicular manslaughter occurs when an individual causes fatal injuries to someone else while committing a felony. Vehicular homicide, by contrast, is typically charged when the crime was a misdemeanor.

Vehicular homicide and manslaughter statutes are serious in Texas. The laws essentially treat an automobile as a deadly weapon, and possible penalties can range from fines and driver’s license suspension to jail time and restitution to the victim’s family. Typically, vehicular homicide is charged along with another crime, such as driving while intoxicated.

Traffic Offenses Causing Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide or manslaughter must involve some form of criminal activity in order to be prosecutable. The following are some of the most common traffic violations which can lead to a charge of vehicular homicide or manslaughter:

  • Drunk driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving without a license

These are just some of the offenses which an individual charged with vehicular homicide or manslaughter may be accused of. Each of these offenses can carry serious penalties, especially if a driver is convicted of more than one offense.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been accused of vehicular homicide or manslaughter, you face serious penalties and consequences for your future. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional and begin formulating your defense.



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