Vehicular Manslaughter vs. Vehicular Homicide

In California, the difference between vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide lies in a few legal nuances. Vehicular manslaughter is defined as an unlawful killing that took place due to negligence or criminal recklessness. In other words, if the driver was behaving negligently or recklessly when a fatal accident occurred, they can be found liable for vehicular manslaughter. On the other hand, vehicular homicide is defined as an unlawful killing or murder that was done intentionally. If a driver purposefully causes the death of another person while driving, they can be charged with vehicular homicide and face serious consequences. 

If you are facing either of these charges, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will be able to help you every step of the way. Additionally, your attorney will know the best defenses to raise in your case to help you receive the best possible outcome. 

Choosing Wallin & Klarich to represent your case puts you in the best position to receive the best outcome for your case. We have over 40 years of experience in Southern California. Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL  for your free appeal consultation! 

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is defined as an unlawful killing that took place due to negligence or criminal recklessness. You can be charged with vehicular manslaughter even if you did not intend to kill someone. The prosecution just has to prove you acted negligently or recklessly in order to convict you. For example, if you run through a red light and crash into another car and kill someone in that car, you can be charged with vehicular manslaughter. 

While it is a lesser crime than vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter can still carry serious penalties. Because of this, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have 40+ years of experience representing cases like yours. Call our office today for a free consultation!

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide is a more serious type of vehicular manslaughter that requires “gross negligence”. Gross negligence refers to a severe lack of care or attention to duty that goes beyond ordinary negligence. It’s the voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which would lead a prudent person to predict that the action or inaction could likely cause harm to others. For example, if you are driving at high speed in a school zone, ignoring traffic signs, and causing a fatal accident, it could be considered as gross negligence. Another example is if you are drinking and driving and cause a wreck that kills someone. In this instance, the prosecution can argue that drinking and driving is extreme negligence and charge you with vehicular homicide. 

Penalties

Vehicular manslaughter typically carries lesser penalties than vehicular homicide. However, both crimes carry hefty sentences that can affect your professional and personal life for years to come. In addition to jail time, you may find it harder to find a job and your personal relationships may suffer.  It is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible for the best outcome for your case. Give our office a call today! 

• Vehicular manslaughter
  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
• Vehicular homicide
  • 2-6 years in prison
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

Contact Wallin & Klarich Today 

If you are facing either of these charges, you need a skilled defense attorney. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped thousands of clients with their plea bargains and the rest of their cases. We know the most effective defenses to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case. 

You may not be aware of all your options. Calling our office costs you nothing, but picking up the phone could be the difference between years in prison and years of freedom. Let our skilled attorneys examine your case to find the best way to avoid prison.Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.