Huntington Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer

Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney In Huntington, WV

A motor vehicle collision can happen in the blink of an eye, but its consequences can last forever. When a collision causes the loss of life, the tragedy is amplified by the possibility of facing serious criminal charges. If West Virginia residents find themselves in such a situation, they should contact a Huntington, WV vehicular manslaughter lawyer as soon as possible.

Perhaps you were driving busy streets near Marshall University on John Marshall Drive when poor weather caused an accident to occur. Or maybe you were navigating I-64 when a quick lapse in judgment led to a fatal crash.

In either instance, you may face allegations of being responsible for a death from behind the wheel. Don’t fight this alone. Consult a lawyer to protect your rights and future.

Why Work With Meadows Law PLLC

For years, the legal team at Meadows Law PLLC has defended residents across West Virginia who face accusations of committing serious criminal offenses. Our lead attorney, Dayton C. Meadows V, approaches every case with discipline and resilience.

He recognizes that good people can get caught in negative situations, and he is dedicated to safeguarding those who look to him for guidance. He is not afraid to defend you at the Cabell County Courthouse on 5th Avenue, where your vehicular manslaughter case will likely be heard.

Understanding Vehicular Manslaughter in Huntington

Statistics have shown that in West Virginia and in the U.S. in its entirety, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter incidents were infrequent and made up 2% of violent crimes reported in the past.

In West Virginia, the law differentiates between levels of culpability for vehicular manslaughter depending on the driver’s actions and state of mind at the time of the collision. In these cases, prosecutors often go for the maximum penalties possible under vehicular manslaughter laws.

Charges related to vehicular manslaughter in West Virginia typically fall under specific statutes, such as the following:

• Negligent homicide. This refers to a fatality that occurs because a motorist operated a vehicle in reckless disregard for others’ safety. This can be a misdemeanor charge, but it still holds significant weight.
• DUI causing death. A driver under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances who causes a fatal collision will likely be charged with a felony.
• Reckless driving causing death. This occurs when an individual drives a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of people or property, causing a fatality.

The definition of reckless disregard can depend on the specific details of the driver’s behavior, road conditions, and speed. Factors that could make a traffic accident a more serious criminal charge include the following:

• Excessive speeding
• Running stop signs and red lights
• Road rage
• Driving while fatigued
• Not yielding to pedestrians
• Texting while driving

A Huntington vehicular manslaughter attorney from Meadows Law PLLC can challenge the prosecution’s case and fight to make sure a tragic accident is not misconstrued as a malicious crime.

Defenses Against Vehicular Manslaughter Accusations

When residents face vehicular manslaughter accusations in Huntington, a qualified legal team can initiate a defense strategy that protects them from conviction. Possible defense strategies in such cases include the following:

• Challenging the cause of the collision. A defense attorney may argue that your accident was the result of poor road conditions, mechanical failure, or another driver’s actions.
• Disputing intoxication. Your lawyer may refute DUI allegations by challenging the accuracy and validity of any breathalyzers, field sobriety tests, or blood tests you took.
• Violation of rights. A defense attorney can make a motion to have evidence against you suppressed if law enforcement officers violated your constitutional rights when stopping, searching, or interrogating you.

FAQs

Do People Go to Jail for Vehicular Manslaughter in West Virginia?

People go to jail for vehicular manslaughter in West Virginia. The severity of the situation and consequences depends on the specific charge. Generally, an individual charged with voluntary manslaughter faces a punishment of imprisonment of no less than 3 years and no more than 15 years.

A conviction for DUI that causes a death is a felony. This can result in a mandatory prison sentence that ranges from several years to more than 10 years, depending on the circumstances.

Is Vehicular Manslaughter Worse Than Vehicular Homicide?

Vehicular manslaughter is not worse than vehicular homicide. The main distinction between the two concerns intent. A charge of vehicular manslaughter may be a misdemeanor or lower-level felony that stems from forms of negligence, like not yielding at an intersection.

Motorists receive a charge of vehicular homicide when their actions show a willful disregard for others’ safety, such as driving under the influence or speeding through school zones. This charge is typically classified as a first-degree or second-degree felony.

Does Remorse Affect a Vehicular Manslaughter Sentence in West Virginia?

Remorse does not necessarily affect a vehicular manslaughter sentence in West Virginia. In some states, sincere expressions of remorse can sometimes lead to more lenient sentences, while a lack of remorse can move a judge to impose the maximum penalty.

In West Virginia, however, lawmakers have undergone legislative sessions to impose stronger penalties on offenders who commit fatal motor vehicle offenses to hold them more accountable for their dangerous behavior.

What Is the Maximum Time for Vehicular Manslaughter in West Virginia?

The maximum time for vehicular manslaughter in West Virginia depends on the specific charge against the motorist. For a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide, the maximum is one year in jail. For the felony charge of DUI-caused death, the maximum time is between 3 and 15 years.

If the driver at fault showed reckless disregard for others’ safety, their penalty will be in line with felony standards. Their prior criminal history may also influence the maximum potential sentence they receive.

Hire a Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer

In a vehicular homicide case, your liberty, freedom, reputation, and future opportunities are at stake. Such a case requires more than basic legal knowledge. You need guidance and representation from a vehicular manslaughter attorney well-versed in criminal traffic laws and defense strategies.

Do not leave your fate hanging in the balance. Contact Meadows Law PLLC today to hire a vehicular manslaughter lawyer who understands the nuances of West Virginia laws and can fight on your behalf to protect your rights, your present, and your future.