The State of Florida is one of the toughest in the nation when it comes to DUI arrests and especially for the crime of DUI manslaughter. In this two-part article, we first educated you on the definition of vehicular manslaughter and the penalty for being found guilty of the crime. In this section, we will discuss many of the actions behind the wheel that result in an arrest for vehicular homicide. This includes driving under the influence. If you are in need of a DUI defense attorney in Tampa please contact us today.
Because vehicular homicide is such a broad term, there are many ways that a person can be charged with the crime. Some examples of a person being charged with vehicular manslaughter include the following:
Culpable Negligence: If a driver is not paying attention to the road, texting on their phone while driving, or showcasing reckless disregard for other motorists, they can face criminal negligence charges for their role in an accident.
Safety Violations: Any blatant disregard for the rules of the road can lead to a vehicular manslaughter charge. Whether it’s excessive speeding, running a red light, driving through a stop sign, making an illegal U-turn, or violating other roadway laws that lead to an accident.
Other Extreme Actions: Some late night accidents transpire because a motorist falls asleep at the wheel or is so drowsy they create an accident. In extreme cases, road rage incidents, drag racing, or attempting to elude a police officer are all ways that an act of vehicular manslaughter can transpire.
DUI Manslaughter: Vehicular manslaughter has a close connection with drunk driving. Whether a motorist is under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or an illegal drug, they may be considered negligent if they are involved in a fatal car accident.
It’s important to remember that just because an accident resulted in an unfortunate death that doesn’t necessarily mean that a motorist is guilty of vehicular manslaughter. In many cases, there is no relationship between the untimely death of a person and the conduct of the accused. Sometimes the defendant was not the cause of the accident and actions performed by the deceased were the catalyst. If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter, it’s critical that you immediately seek experienced legal counsel. A knowledgeable attorney will analyze the evidence against you, inform you of your legal options, and, depending on the circumstances of your case, present your side of the account and have the charges greatly reduced or even dismissed.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.