Washington Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Lawyers
Vehicular Manslaughter
Hitting another person with an automobile carries with it serious repercussions. In the event of an accident, it is important to remember that your actions immediately afterwards can impact the charges filed against you and your sentencing.
Revised Code of Washington 46.52.020 states that "a driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident." Failure to remain at the scene will only lead to more serious consequence and harsher sentencing in the event that you are held liable in a court of law for the accident.
Vehicular assault is considered a class B felony. Revised Code of Washington 46.61.522 states that "a person is guilty of vehicular assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle:
- In a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
- While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug…and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
- With disregard for the safety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another.
Vehicular manslaughter results when an automobile accident ends with a loss of life. In regard to the penalties to be sustained for causing vehicular manslaughter, RCW 46.61.520 goes on to state that:
- When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle:
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(a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug; or
(b) In a reckless manner; or
(c) With disregard for the safety of others.
Vehicular homicide is considered a class A felony. In the event that you or a loved one has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, you need a Tacoma vehicular manslaughter defense attorney on your side who will examine the details of your case to ensure that your rights are not infringed upon in a court of law.
At McNeese & Trotsky, our experienced Washington drunk driving defense attorneys will work towards getting you the best possible outcome in your case. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our skilled lawyers are well-versed in traffic law, and are prepared to assist you in every way that we can.