VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER LAWYERS
IN ORANGE COUNTY
Among the many California laws that relate to driving, vehicular manslaughter laws are certainly some of the most complex as they are open to a number of different interpretations and applications. If you are charged with vehicular manslaughter, you will potentially face substantial prison time as well as significant fines and penalties. You could also end up losing your driver's license.
When is vehicular manslaughter charged?
A speeding, reckless driving or DUI incident becomes a potential vehicular manslaughter case when the resulting traffic collision turns deadly. Many times, alcohol or drugs may not even be a factor in vehicular manslaughter cases.
For example, it may simply involve a motorist making an unsafe lane change or turn while distracted by talking on the cell phone, which causes a chain of events leading to the fatality. You, as a driver, may not have intentionally made that decision to make that unsafe lane change. Still, at the end of an investigation you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. If you face a vehicular manslaughter charge, you need an extremely competent Orange County vehicular manslaughter defense attorney who understands every nuance of the law and its application to defend you and get you the best possible results.
A misdemeanor or felony?
A vehicular manslaughter case could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the level of recklessness or perceived lack of concern on the driver's part. Gross negligence is a legal term which means the driver acted with a high level of recklessness and without concern for the safety of others. If gross negligence is alleged in a vehicular manslaughter case, it can be charged only as a felony. If not, the prosecutor will decide whether to charge it as a misdemeanor or a felony.
The defense
At Coffey & Coffey, we have extensive experience in defending clients in vehicular manslaughter cases and we have seen that often the prosecution is eager to tailor the results of their investigation and the evidence against you. We will perform a thorough independent investigation of the facts from contacting eyewitnesses to examining forensic evidence. The prosecution has the burden of proving every charge beyond a reasonable doubt in a vehicular manslaughter case.
In most of these cases, those charged don't intend to cause harm. The charges are mostly the result of poor judgment or plain carelessness. Our Orange County vehicular manslaughter defense lawyers can help you defend your case, reduce or even dismiss your charges. Don't risk your life and career. Call Coffey & Coffey to discuss your case.
THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
1-800-706-7888
