What is Vehicular Homicide?

When you think of homicide, you may imagine someone intentionally killing someone. However, vehicular homicide is not an intentional act. But it does mean breaking the law and causing a fatal car accident.

Vehicular homicide is a serious crime. It is considered a felony under Pennsylvania law, so you’ll want to preserve your legal rights. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help defend you.

What the Law Says

Under the Statutes of Pennsylvania, Consolidated Statutes, Title 75, anyone who recklessly or with gross negligence causes the death of another person due to the illegal operation of a vehicle is guilty of vehicular homicide. A person can be convicted of homicide by a vehicle even if they unintentionally caused the person’s death. If they end up killing someone as a result of violating any law related to operating or maintaining a vehicle on Pennsylvania roads, they can face criminal charges.

In order to be charged with vehicular homicide, the death must not be intentional. The act causing death must involve a direct violation of Pennsylvania’s traffic laws, such as speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving.

Homicide by vehicle is classified as a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania. You could face up to seven years in prison for each death caused. You may also be ordered to pay fines of up to $15,000. In addition, you will lose your driver’s license for a minimum of three years.

You may face an additional five years in prison for committing acts such as texting while driving, work zone violations, and failure to properly yield to emergency vehicles. If the offense involves driving under the influence, the penalties are significantly harsher. You could even face mandatory minimum prison sentences.

Because vehicular homicide is a felony, you will also face punishment such as:

• Loss of gun rights. Your Second Amendment rights will be limited. Federal law prohibits felons from owning and purchasing firearms. You will not even be able to go hunting.
• Travel restrictions. You may be able to travel domestically within the United States, but international travel becomes almost impossible.
• Loss of voting rights. You will lose the right to vote while in prison. Your voting rights may even be limited after your release.

Defenses

You can reduce your penalties with these defenses:

• Lack of causation (arguing that the traffic violation was not the cause of the death)
• Challenging evidence of the traffic law violation
• Proving that the incident was a genuine accident without negligence

Contact Us Today

While you may not have intended to kill someone while driving, you can still be convicted of a felony crime under Pennsylvania law. Your life could be seriously impacted for a long time, so act quickly to protect your legal rights.

A Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer from Mette, Attorneys at Law, can help you understand the charges you face. Let us get you the best outcome possible. Schedule a consultation today by calling (717) 232-5000 or filling out the online form.