Virginia Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer
Helping Clients Facing Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads & Newport News
The potential conviction penalties for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are harsh. The severity of those punishments may substantially increase if an accident causing serious injury or death results from intoxicated driving. If you've been accused of vehicular manslaughter or maiming, act quickly to get a Virginia vehicular manslaughter lawyer on your side who knows how to challenge the allegations. Having seasoned legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
At Tillotson & Martin, our Virginia law firm focuses mainly on DUI matters. We went into this area of the law to help those charged with drinking and driving offenses. Our Virginia vehicular manslaughter attorneys genuinely care about protecting the rights and freedoms of the accused. We provide compassionate guidance from the beginning of the case until its conclusion. Leveraging our knowledge, skills, and resources, we build effective defenses, spot holes in the prosecutors' cases, and work relentlessly toward a favorable outcome. We have over 75 years of combined experience and know what it takes to effectively handle these types of cases. Our knowledge of DWI law in Virginia is so robust that our team was asked to write the book judges, prosecutors, and other lawyers reference.
We are here to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed with your vehicular manslaughter case. If you need help with intentional or unintentional vehicular manslaughter, call our criminal defense attorneys at (757) 568-7978 today.
Virginia's Vehicular Manslaughter Laws
Vehicular manslaughter, also known as involuntary manslaughter or vehicular homicide, involves causing the death of another person through negligent or reckless driving. In Virginia, this charge can arise from various circumstances, including:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Reckless Driving: Exhibiting a willful disregard for the safety of others on the road.
- Negligent Driving: Failing to exercise the standard care expected of a reasonably prudent driver.
In Virginia, if a person is driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and they unintentionally cause an accident that results in another person's death, they could be charged with involuntary manslaughter in Virginia.
Is Vehicular Manslaughter a Felony?
In Virginia, Vehicular Manslaughter is considered to be a Class 5 felony offense. It is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $2,500. Additionally, if the driver was found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, they could face additional charges with harsher penalties.
Potential Sentences for Vehicular Manslaughter in Virginia
The punishments for vehicular manslaughter increase if your conduct showed a “reckless disregard for human life.” Under these circumstances, the crime is referred to as aggravated involuntary manslaughter.
Minimum Sentence for Vehicular Manslaughter:
- 1 Year Imprisonment
Maximum Sentence for Vehicular Manslaughter:
- 20 Years Imprisonment
Additionally, the judge must impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year.
Virginia's Law Concerning Maiming
Severe conviction penalties also arise in drinking and driving accidents that cause serious bodily injury to another person. Under Virginia law, this offense is referred to as maiming.
For you to be charged with maiming, you must have been driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and unintentionally seriously injured someone else. Additionally, your actions must have shown a "reckless disregard for human life."
Generally, maiming is a Class 6 felony. A conviction could result in imprisonment between 1 and 5 years. Additionally, the judge may impose a maximum fine of $2,500.
However, if the accident caused the other person to suffer "permanent and significant physical impairment," the charge elevates to a Class 4 felony. In this case, the potential conviction penalties include between 2 and 10 years incarceration and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
Our Comprehensive Defense Strategies
At Tillotson & Martin, we recognize that each vehicular manslaughter case is unique. Our Virginia vehicular manslaughter attorneys employ a range of defense strategies tailored to the specifics of your situation, including:
- Challenging the Evidence: We scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or violations of your rights. This includes questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, blood tests, and witness statements.
- Proving Lack of Negligence or Recklessness: Demonstrating that your actions did not constitute negligence or recklessness and that the incident was an unavoidable accident.
- Mitigating Circumstances: Presenting evidence of mitigating circumstances, such as mechanical failures or sudden medical emergencies, that contributed to the accident.
- Negotiating Plea Deals: When appropriate, our vehicular manslaughter lawyers will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, seeking alternatives to incarceration such as probation, community service, or rehabilitation programs.
- Trial Defense: If your case goes to trial, our skilled litigators provide a vigorous defense, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to support your innocence or mitigate your culpability.
Why Choose Tillotson & Martin?
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial to the outcome of your vehicular manslaughter case. Here’s why Tillotson & Martin is your best choice:
- Expertise in Vehicular Manslaughter Defense: Our Virginia vehicular manslaughter defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against vehicular manslaughter charges and a deep understanding of Virginia traffic laws and procedures.
- Personalized Attention: We treat our clients as individuals, taking the time to understand your specific circumstances and develop a defense strategy that fits your needs.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are dedicated advocates who fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible results in your case.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with facing serious criminal charges. Our team provides compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process.
Let Our Vehicular Manslaughter Attorneys Defend You Today!
With vehicular manslaughter and maiming offenses carrying such harsh penalties, it's crucial to get aggressive defense from the start. At Tillotson & Martin, our legal team knows that the Commonwealth's Attorneys will attempt to do everything in their legal power to land a conviction. However, our Virginia vehicular manslaughter lawyers don't back down from a challenge. We take them head-on and fight back against law enforcement officials, the Department of Forensic Science, and prosecutors. Armed with our knowledge and the facts of the case, we'll develop a strong defense on your behalf.
Facing vehicular manslaughter charges in VA? For the personalized representation you need, contact usat (757) 568-7978.
