Are you facing a vehicular manslaughter charge in Lanham, MD? If you were involved in a car accident and are being charged with vehicular manslaughter, penalties can be severe. You need an experienced legal team on your side to help you build a strong defense.
Our lawyers have 125 years of combined experience protecting the rights of people accused of criminal acts. We have extensive experience handling criminal matters, including cases involving vehicular manslaughter. Our legal team includes former prosecutors who understand how to recognize misconduct and errors made by law enforcement.
Contact the team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation at (301) 262-7005 with one of our Lanham vehicular manslaughter lawyers. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You With a Vehicular Manslaughter Charge in Lanham, Maryland
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we fiercely fight for our clients’ rights in Lanham, Maryland. We will aggressively pursue defense strategies to give you the best possible chance of a successful outcome in your case.
When you hire our top-rated Lanham criminal defense lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the vehicular manslaughter charges and gather evidence
- Analyze the prosecution’s evidence against you
- Hire the best expert witnesses as necessary to assist with your case
- Review the conduct of police officers to determine if they violated your rights
- Develop a strong defense to the charges to assist with plea bargaining
- Take your case to trial and advocate for your interests if that is in the best interest of your defense
Our lawyers are highly rated by numerous companies, including Super Lawyers, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell. When you choose to work with us, you can trust that we will advocate for you every step of the way.
Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced Lanham vehicular manslaughter attorney.
What Is Considered Vehicular Manslaughter in Maryland?
Vehicular manslaughter, also known as manslaughter by vehicle, is a criminal offense that may apply if someone dies in a motor vehicle accident. The driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter because they were operating the vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner.
Examples of conduct that could lead to a vehicular manslaughter charge include, but are not limited to:
- Driving while distracted
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Falling asleep while driving
- Driving recklessly without concern for the safety of other people
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI manslaughter)
Vehicular manslaughter cases do not involve an intent to injure or kill someone. If an accident results in someone’s death, you could be charged with:
Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle
This criminal charge applies when a driver causes the death of someone because of criminal negligence. Criminal negligence alleges that the driver failed to recognize a substantial risk that a reasonable person would have recognized.
Criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle is a misdemeanor offense. A conviction could result in a maximum fine of $3,000 and up to three years in state prison. A prior offense increases the charge to a felony with a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in state prison.
Manslaughter by Vehicle
This criminal charge applies when a driver causes someone’s death because they acted with gross negligence. Gross negligence means that the driver’s conduct substantially deviated from what a reasonable driver would do in a given situation. The driver knew their conduct could kill someone but chose to proceed regardless of the risk.
Manslaughter by vehicle is a felony offense in Maryland. A conviction could result in a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to ten years in state prison. A second offense has a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 15 years in state prison.
Are There Defenses to Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Lanham, MD?
Vehicular manslaughter charges focus on the death of someone because a driver’s actions were grossly negligent or reckless. Defenses for vehicular manslaughter often seek to prove that the driver used the level of care a reasonable person would have used. The driver would not have been grossly negligent or reckless in that case.
Potential defenses for vehicular manslaughter charges include:
- Presenting an alibi for the time of the accident to create reasonable doubt about the defendant’s involvement in the accident
- Challenging the accuracy of evidence, such as questioning the reliability or truth of eyewitness statements, presenting expert testimony to refute the cause of the accident, offering evidence that refutes the state’s evidence, challenging the accuracy of an accident reconstruction, etc.
- Evidence refuting the allegations that the driver acted recklessly or negligently (i.e., the driver was using reasonable caution, and the accident was unavoidable)
- The driver’s conduct was not a direct cause of the car accident
There could be additional defenses depending on the facts of the case. An experienced vehicular manslaughter lawyer can advise you of all defenses after reviewing your case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation With a Lanham Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney
Vehicular manslaughter is a serious criminal charge. Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to discuss legal defenses with an experienced Lanham vehicular manslaughter attorney in a free consultation. We are here for you when you need trusted legal advice and support.