The maximum sentence for vehicular manslaughter, or vehicular homicide, depends on the severity of the charge. The penalties are more severe, for instance, if you’ve been charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter inasmuch as this charge is a felony.
A vehicular manslaughter charge results from an individual being accused of (unintentionally and unlawfully) causing a death while driving a vehicle. Being charged with vehicular manslaughter can result in the loss of one’s driver’s license, as well as jail time, fines and fees, and probation. Contact an attorney immediately if you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter in the state of Georgia.
Types of Vehicular Manslaughter Charges a Person Can Face in Georgia
There are two types of vehicular manslaughter a person can be charged within Georgia:
- First-degree vehicular manslaughter/homicide: causing the death of another person while violating Georgia DUI or reckless driving laws, committing a hit and run, fleeing from police, using a revoked license after being declared a “habitual violator,” or illegally passing a school bus.
- Second-degree vehicular manslaughter/homicide: causing a death while committing a traffic offense, such as running a red light, exceeding the speed limit, not yielding the right of way, or driving while distracted.
Second-degree vehicular manslaughter is less serious than first-degree vehicular manslaughter, but both are serious because they involve the loss of life.
Vehicular manslaughter can either be charged as a misdemeanor (second-degree) or a felony (first-degree), depending on the details of the accident. A misdemeanor carries lesser penalties than a felony, but both can still result in going to jail or prison, being fined, losing your driver’s license, and parole or probation.
The Maximum Sentence for Vehicular Manslaughter in Georgia
The exact circumstances of each vehicular manslaughter case determine what penalties the accused will face. But here are the general penalties possible from both types.
First-Degree Vehicular Manslaughter Penalties
A first-degree vehicular homicide charge is a felony, so the sentence is the more extreme someone can get.
Most motorists convicted of first-degree will face between three and 15 years in prison per death. But if the driver is a “habitual violator,” meaning they have been arrested and convicted three or more times within a five-year period, the sentence is typically five to 20 years in prison per death.
This also includes the driver having their license revoked for three years.
Keep in mind these maximum penalties are per death. If more than one person dies as a result of the driver’s actions, the penalties can be stacked in the order in which they are charged. This means a motorist could spend many, many years—even a lifetime—in jail if multiple people were killed.
Second-Degree Vehicular Manslaughter Penalties
If the motorist is charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, which is a misdemeanor, they will usually face up to one year in county jail per death and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.
Georgia imposes a longer prison sentence for vehicle felony laws than most other states. And input from family members of the deceased can sometimes persuade the judge to give a more strict sentence for vehicular manslaughter. Again, the exact sentence can vary depending on each individual case.
What if Your Family Member Was Killed by Another Driver?
If a loved one was killed in a car accident or other motor accident in Georgia, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the other driver. In Georgia, a wrongful death claim allows you to pursue compensation for damages on behalf of your deceased family member.
Certain family members are entitled to recover what the law calculates as the full value of the loved one’s life, including costs for:
- Medical bills
- Funeral charges
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages meant to punish the driver for their actions
If you have lost a loved one due to vehicular manslaughter, reach out to a wrongful death lawyer as soon as you can. They will help you bring a wrongful death suit on behalf of the deceased. While we know money can never undo what has happened, we find compensation does help family members cover costs to reduce any financial strain on top of everything else.
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Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
You Should Not Face This Type of Charge without an Attorney Present
A vehicular manslaughter charge is serious, no matter the degree, so it is important you do not face this charge without your attorney present. The plaintiff will assume you don’t know the law as well as your attorney does and will try to take full advantage of you. An attorney can protect your rights and help you fight toward a fair and just outcome.
How Much does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?
Here at John Foy & Associates, we work on contingency. This means that we don’t charge you a dime until you win your case. You don’t have to worry about paying us a retainer upfront or any payments at all over the course of your case.
Contact Our Attorneys Today for Help Handling a Vehicular Manslaughter Charge
If you lost a loved one due to vehicular manslaughter, John Foy & Associates can help. We don’t get paid unless you win, and the consultation is always FREE. Contact us today to get started.
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