Vehicular Manslaughter
Because of the loss of life in an accident, vehicular manslaughter can be a traumatic experience for all those involved. Because of that, vehicular manslaughter in the state of Ohio is a serious offense.
If convicted, you will not only face possible jail time and fines, but you could have your driver’s license suspended, lose your job and have a permanent criminal record. In the event you are acquitted of vehicular manslaughter, the deceased’s family may file a wrongful death suit in civil court.
Attorney for Vehicular Manslaughter in Ohio
Being charged with vehicular manslaughter is an uphill battle, but a proper defense team from Joslyn Law Firm can make that battle easier. Attorneys with Joslyn Law Firm are experienced with vehicular manslaughter cases and serve clients in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, Lebanon, Sharonville, Blue Ash, Fairfield, Mason, Oxford and many other communities.
Joslyn Law Firm will strive to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Call us today at (513) 399-6289 or fill out our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free.
Overview of Vehicular Manslaughter in Ohio
- What is Vehicular Manslaughter?
- Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter
- Other Forms of Vehicular Homicide
What is Vehicular Manslaughter?
Vehicular manslaughter is not the same as murder since the driver had no intention of killing anyone. Established under Ohio Revised Code 2903.06 (A) (4), vehicular manslaughter is considered to be causing the death of another person or an unborn child while operating a motor vehicle as a result of a misdemeanor traffic violation.
There is a wide range of traffic misdemeanors in Ohio, but some of the most common traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield to the right of way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to signal
- Failure to control the vehicle
- Failing to maintain a clear distance between vehicles
Vehicular manslaughter can be committed in motor vehicles that include motorcycles, snowmobiles, locomotives, watercraft or an aircraft.
Penalties for vehicular manslaughter
Even though there was no intention to end another’s life, the penalties for vehicular manslaughter can be harsh. Penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on how the offense was committed.
The penalties for vehicular manslaughter are established under O.R.C 29903.06 (D) and are as followed:
- If you are convicted of committing a minor misdemeanor traffic violation that resulted in the death of another, you could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail, fines up to $750 and a mandatory suspension of an Ohio drivers license for up to five years.
- You could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $1,000 and a mandatory suspension of an Ohio drivers license for up to five years if your case involves any of the following:
- You were driving under a DUI/OVI suspension at the time of the accident.
- You were driving without a license because it was canceled or revoked due to a prior DUI/OVI conviction.
- You had previously been convicted of a traffic-related homicide, manslaughter or assault offense.
If convicted of vehicular manslaughter, other possible penalties can include points on your driver’s license, disqualification of Ohio Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a permanent criminal record, loss of job, increased auto insurance rates and liability in a civil lawsuit.
Having an experienced legal team from Joslyn Law Firm is the best defense you can take when handling vehicular manslaughter charges.
Other Forms of Vehicular Homicide in Ohio
Aside from vehicular manslaughter, Ohio also has other offenses involving the accidental death of another person with a motor vehicle. These offenses include the following:
- Vehicular Homicide: This offense involves the accidental death of another by negligence or as the result of speeding in a construction zone
- Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: The accidental death of another was caused as a result of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, recklessness or as a result of committing a reckless operation offense in a construction zone.
The penalties for such offenses depend on how the crime occurred and can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
Ohio Vehicular Manslaughter Resources
Ohio Revised Code 2903.06 – View full text of the Ohio Revised Code that governs vehicular manslaughter, vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide at codes.ohio.gov. Information regarding vehicular manslaughter can be found in section (D). Codes.ohio.gov is a website the features full text of the Ohio Revised Code and the Administrative Code.
Ohio Fatal Crash Statistics by Year- Follow this link to view the number of fatal auto accidents in Ohio between 2013-2017. The chart features OVI related crashes, non-motorist fatalities and motorcycle fatalities. The chart can be viewed on the website for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Lawyer for Vehicular Manslaughter in Cincinnati, OH
If you are being investigated for vehicular manslaughter, the best defense you can take is retaining an experienced legal team from Joslyn Law Firm. Our attorneys will strive to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call us today at (513) 399-6289 or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free. We assist clients in communities in central Ohio that include Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, Lebanon, Sharonville, Blue Ash, Fairfield, Mason and Oxford.
