Vehicular manslaughter is a charge resulting in the death of another person. Unfortunately, there are many ways vehicular manslaughter can be unintentional. If you live in Reno, Nevada, and face vehicular manslaughter charges, it can feel like all hope is lost. What is there to do about your situation?
If you’re interested in learning more about facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Reno, Nevada, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about vehicular charges in Nevada, penalties, and defenses, and why you need a defense attorney. The more you know, the easier the situation will be to handle.
Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Nevada
Vehicular manslaughter is a death that occurs from the simple negligence of a person behind the wheel. The person might have been international about killing the other, or it might have occurred by accident. The prosecution doesn’t have to prove you meant to do it to prove you are guilty and win any charges pressed for the situation.
Here are a few examples of simple negligence:
- Not stopping at a red light or paying attention to the right-of-way
- Tailgating or following someone too closely
- Driving while tired or falling asleep at the wheel
- Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle with broken lights
- Making turns unsafely or illegally
- Driving distracted, including looking at a phone or changing the radio
- Speeding in any amount over the established speed limit
These can cause a person to hit another person without intent.
A driver does not need to have murderous intent to be committed of vehicular manslaughter. If they get behind the wheel and drive carelessly, there is enough evidence to invoke serious charges and time behind bars.
Vehicular manslaughter is different from vehicular manslaughter. It’s critical to understand what sets the two apart if you are involved in a case of this level.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is similar to vehicular manslaughter but falls under a different category. Both involve the death of another person with a car, intentionally or unintentionally. This action is more criminal and requires serious negligence on behalf of the murderer.
A crime with a vehicle is a vehicular homicide if the driver:
- Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Has three previous DUI imprisonments
Crime is much more critical at this point.
Vehicular homicide is a felony if you live in Reno, Nevada. It’s the most criminal type you can face in Nevada, so it’s best to be responsible if you’ve had trouble with DUIs. You could face life in prison for killing someone in this manner.
Another version of vehicular crime in Reno, Nevada, is reckless driving. Let’s talk about that alternative next. It’s less extreme than vehicular homicide.
Reckless Driving
Some deaths might occur thanks to reckless driving. Although this situation is criminal, it’s less serious than vehicular homicide. However, it is more dangerous than vehicular manslaughter. A person typically gets in trouble for this crime if they are driving in dangerous manners, such as weaving between lanes at high speeds or drunk driving.
Judges in Nevada typically consider reckless driving as a felony, though not as serious of a felony as vehicular homicide. It has harsh penalties, largely based on the thing that caused the reckless driving. A drunk driver might face more critical penalties than someone who made a mistake as they changed lanes.
If you are not caught for vehicular homicide or reckless driving, you will face vehicular manslaughter. This charge has some common penalties and defenses in Reno, Nevada.
Penalties and Defenses
If you are labeled guilty of vehicular manslaughter, there are several penalties in Nevada. These consequences apply in Reno. If you kill someone with simple negligence behind the wheel, you could face one of these.
Here are the most common penalties for vehicular manslaughter in Reno, Nevada:
- Up to $1,000 as a fine, or $2,000 if the manslaughter is in a construction zone
- A maximum of six months in jail, or twelve months if it occurred in a construction zone
- Suspension of a license for a year with restricted use after half a year
Sometimes, all three occur if the crime is deadly enough.
There aren’t a ton of defenses for vehicular manslaughter. The best thing to do is prove the defendant is not guilty of the crime, thus removing any reason for charges. To do this, individuals must examine the circumstances and case to determine if there is any reason why the defendant is not at fault for what happened.
Why Do You Need a Defense Attorney?
A vehicular manslaughter or homicide charge is a very serious offense. If you are in the defendant position in a vehicular manslaughter case in Reno, Nevada, you should have a defense attorney on your side. It’s stressful and overwhelming to work a case by yourself, and they can take care of everything for you.
You need a defense attorney because they are:
- Experienced in a court of law
- Know the ins and outs of Nevada law
- Able to help you navigate the complicated legal process
The situation will be much simpler with a defense attorney by your side.
It doesn’t hurt to have a professional by your side, even if you think you can handle the situation yourself. The professionals at Richard P. Davies are some of the best in the business, ready to make the situation much better.
Contact Richard P. Davies for Assistance
If you are facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Reno, you need an attorney. Reach out to Richard P. Davies, attorney at law in Sparks, Reno, and Northern Nevada for help. We can offer a free consultation to determine if you have a case on your hands. If you do, we can provide the support you need to handle the situation.
We understand that people make mistakes. With our professionals by your side, your world won’t get worse – it can only get better. We will help with your situation in any way we can. Richard P. Davies can help with cases of criminal defense, family law, traffic violations, and more.