What is Vehicular Manslaughter?
If someone is killed in an accident, whether it was caused by the driver running a red light or speeding, there is a good chance that the driver could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. This is a serious offense and could lead to a 15 year prison term. If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter you should contact Miami criminal defense attorney, Albert Quirantes, who can represent you in court. He will help to determine if the evidence is sufficient to convict you, which includes studying reports provided by witnesses and photographic evidence taken at the scene of the accident.
According to Florida statute 782.071, a vehicular manslaughter charge could be imposed on you if you were in charge of a vehicle and you drove in a reckless manner which caused a serious accident or a fatality. This could be when driving while intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, speeding or disregarding other road rules. The prosecutor doesn’t need to prove that your intention was to kill someone. All that needs to be done is finding the proof that you drove the vehicle in a way that if an accident took place serious injuries or fatalities were the outcome.
Penalties for vehicular manslaughter in Florida
Vehicular Manslaughter is classified as a second-degree felony, which means the penalty if convicted could be up to a 15 year prison term and a fine of up to $10,000. As with many serious offenses, law enforcers will endeavor to prove your guilt if the charge is as serious as vehicular manslaughter.
Prosecutors must still be able to establish guilt ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ This requirement means they have to collect a substantial amount of evidence in order to make the conviction stick. A reasonable defense might be that you were not acting ‘recklessly’ at the time of the accident. For example, it may not be established that you were DUI at the time of the accident.
When the case is heard in court it only takes one juror to question the validity of the evidence and the judge has no choice but to drop the charge and declare you not guilty. This means an effective criminal defense attorney who questions the prosecution’s evidence could lead to doubt about your charge by one or more jurors. This could see you walk out of the court a free person.
The importance of using highly experienced Miami criminal defense attorney, Albert Quirantes, cannot be underestimated, as having a conviction for vehicular manslaughter can stay on your record for a very long time. This doesn’t just affect your confidence and self esteem but could affect your chance of getting a job and involvement in other activities like training courses and renting apartments. You can contact Albert Quirantes today at 305-644-1800.
Albert Quirantes: Your Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer & DUI Lawyer
For over 30 years, Miami criminal defense attorney Albert M. Quirantes has been aggressively and zealously defending the rights of those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimesthroughout South Florida. With his dedicated team, reasonable legal fees, and a well-earned reputation for challenging prosecutors at every turn, he has protected over 8,000 clients during some of the roughest times of their lives.
Increase your knowledge! If you want to know more about how to resolve the problems you face when charged with a criminal offense in Florida, then you can follow Miami Criminal Attorney Albert M. Quirantes on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, please call us today at (305) 644-1800 or fill out our online form to arrange for your free, confidential initial consultation.
If you have any questions about this or any other criminal accusation, call Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer Albert Quirantes at: (305) 644-1800 or visit our homepage www.CriminalDefendant.com for a direct link to the office or a text message or a map and directions to our office.
