Youngstown, OH Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

Aggravated vehicular homicide is the most severe charge related to death caused by a motor vehicle. This offense occurs when the death results from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or due to reckless or egregious behavior. 

The penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide are severe and can include:

• Second-degree felony: Two to eight years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
• First-degree felony: Three to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000, especially if the driver had a prior OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction or if the victim was a law enforcement officer.

Example: A driver with a previous OVI conviction is heavily intoxicated and speeds through a residential area, fatally injuring a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Due to the combination of substance use, prior record, and reckless driving, the charge is elevated to aggravated vehicular homicide.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter involves causing the death of another person as a result of a minor misdemeanor traffic violation. This is generally considered less severe than vehicular homicide, but it still carries significant repercussions. 

Penalties for vehicular manslaughter can include:

• Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $750.

Example: A motorist fails to yield at a pedestrian crosswalk, resulting in a fatal collision. The violation was a minor traffic offense without aggravating factors like excessive speed or intoxication.

Additional Penalties for Vehicular Homicide Involving Peace Officers

When vehicular homicide involves the death of a peace officer, the ramifications become even more severe. The state imposes additional penalties to underscore the gravity of such an offense. 

These enhanced penalties not only reflect the loss of life but also the importance placed on the protection of law enforcement officers who risk their lives to maintain public safety. 

Specific additional penalties can include:

• Enhanced prison sentences: The court may impose a longer prison sentence than standard vehicular homicide cases, particularly if the peace officer was performing official duties at the time of the incident.
• Increased fines: Financial penalties can be substantially higher than those typically levied for vehicular homicide, considering the aggravating circumstance of the victim's role as a peace officer.
• Mandatory minimum sentences: Judges may be required to impose mandatory minimum sentences without the option for parole, ensuring that offenders serve a substantial portion of their sentence behind bars.
• Additional charges: If the circumstances warrant, a peace officer's involvement can lead to supplementary charges such as obstruction of justice or evading arrest.

Reach us online or at (330) 862-8582 to discuss your case with our Youngstown, OH vehicular homicide lawyer today.