Accidents do occur. When you pull out of your driveway and onto a public road, you’re taking a chance. When does your error become a criminal violation if someone is injured or killed while you are driving?
If you were in a vehicle accident that resulted in the death of another person, you have likely suffered considerable mental and possibly bodily pain. You may feel accountable in certain ways, but it does not mean you have committed a crime in the eyes of the law. Keep reading to learn more and contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you are charged with vehicular manslaughter or other related charges.
When driving mistakes lead to a fatal accident: is it a misdemeanor or a felony?
A traffic violation, such as speeding, making an improper turn, or texting while driving, is less serious than a misdemeanor and normally carries just penalties rather than prison time. However, if your error caused a chain of circumstances that resulted in the death of another person, you might be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Vehicular manslaughter can be a misdemeanor or a felony in California, depending on a variety of criteria. You might be punished to up to a year in county prison if you are charged with a misdemeanor. You might spend two to ten years in jail if you are charged with a crime.
Factors that determine whether a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony
Whether you acted with ordinary or excessive carelessness is one criterion that distinguishes a misdemeanor from a felony prosecution. You might be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter if you acted with ordinary carelessness. It might be a criminal if you were driving with excessive carelessness.
Essentially, severe negligence indicates that you were not just thoughtless, preoccupied, or rushed into making a bad judgment. It implies you acted in such a careless and unsafe manner that you may have gravely injured someone—and a reasonable person would have recognized this.
Manslaughter by vehicle while inebriated
The accusations might be significantly harsher if you are inebriated at the time. DUI probation, victim compensation, license limitations or suspensions, and community service may all be added to your prison term. If you have a history of DUI offenses, you might face charges of second-degree murder.
If you are being investigated for causing a deadly vehicle accident, don’t delay in contacting Chambers Law Firm. Attorney Chambers is the best candidate for your defense because of his experience in vehicular manslaughter cases and his desire to fight for you. To book your free consultation, call 714-760-4088 or contact dchambers@clfca.com now.
