DUI Vehicular Manslaughter in Ventura
Defense Lawyers Available to Protect Your Future
In California, vehicular manslaughter happens when a driver causes an accident that leads to another person's death. In most vehicular manslaughter cases, investigators’ first impulse is to determine whether the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. If the driver is found to be inebriated, they could be charged with a felony DUI causing death.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI causing death, our lawyers can help. With a former police officer and DUI prosecutor on staff, we have ample experience with, and knowledge of, the ins and outs of DUI charges and convictions. We will work tirelessly to fight for lessened charges and an overall better outcome for you.
Call Wilfert Law P.C. at (805) 324-6777 to request a free case review.
Vehicular Manslaughter, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter, and DUI Murder
DUIs that result in the death of another individual can be tried on three charges in California: vehicular manslaughter, gross vehicular manslaughter, and DUI murder. Standard vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, while both latter charges are felonies.
Vehicular Manslaughter DUI
Vehicular manslaughter happens when a driver’s combined negligence and intoxication results in the death of another person. To prove vehicular manslaughter DUI, the prosecutor must show that:
- The driver was intoxicated
- The driver broke an additional law while driving
- The driver was negligent
- The driver’s negligence caused someone’s death
If the prosecutor is unable to prove negligence or poor conduct where the driver also broke another law, the case could be reduced and charged as a regular DUI.
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter
The distinctive aspect of gross vehicular manslaughter is in the assertion that the driver acted with gross negligence. Thus, to be found guilty, prosecutors must prove that the driver committed all the infractions outlined in a vehicular manslaughter case and then show that the negligence in the case at hand was more significant and dangerous.
To be considered gross negligence, the driver must have acted in a way that is widely understood to be a risk. It involves acting recklessly in a way that is known to be life-threatening.
DUI Murder
DUI murder is the harshest charge a driver could face. It is difficult to convict someone of DUI murder, as the prosecutor must be able to prove that the driver knew that impaired driving has the potential to take another’s life but proceeded to drive anyway.
This charge is common among drivers with a previous DUI conviction on their records, as it is simpler to prove that they knew driving while drunk could cause death. All California drivers convicted of a DUI must state that they understand the risks of driving drunk during rehabilitation. The prosecutor may then reference these statements and prove awareness.
Our attorneys are former law enforcement officials with unparalleled legal experience in and out of the courtroom. Drawing from this vast insight, we can bring forth a defense designed to put you on the path towards a favorable outcome. We will attempt to get your charges reduced or even dropped altogether.
Contact us to discuss all the details regarding your case. We will be there for you throughout the entire process.
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