Being detained and arrested for a vehicular manslaughter charge in Prince George’s County, MD, can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Our team understands that these cases affect your life in many ways, which is why we’re here to help you navigate the legal process. We work hard to explain each part of your case in clear, simple language so you can understand your rights and options. With local knowledge of Prince George’s County laws, we defend your rights every step of the way.
For help with this type of charge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, we’re here for you. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County vehicular manslaughter lawyer.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested For Vehicular Manslaughter
If you’re arrested for vehicular manslaughter in Prince George’s County, MD, our team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. Here’s how:
- We carefully review the details of your case to spot any mistakes made during your arrest or investigation.
- Our team looks into whether your rights were violated – from the moment of your arrest and forward. If they were, we can file a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence and statements.
- We challenge evidence that may not accurately represent what happened on the road.
- We negotiate plea deals with the prosecutor to try to get charges or penalties reduced.
With our experience and commitment, you can have a strong support system throughout this challenging process. Reach out as soon as possible to speak with a Prince George’s County vehicular manslaughter attorney.
Overview of Vehicular Manslaughter in Maryland
Vehicular manslaughter in Maryland covers cases where a driver’s actions lead to someone’s death. Understanding the different situations and charges is important for potential defendants.
Manslaughter by Vehicle
Manslaughter by vehicle charges apply when a driver causes a death through gross negligence. In these cases, the driver’s behavior is seen as a serious departure from what a reasonable driver would do under similar circumstances. The focus here is on the overall disregard for safety that led to a tragic accident. Evidence in these cases often shows that the driver’s actions were extremely careless.
Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle
Criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle is an offense charged when a death occurs because of criminal negligence. It means that the driver did not recognize an obvious risk that a reasonable person would have noticed. In these cases, the law holds the driver accountable even if there was no intent to harm.
What Are the Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
When facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the penalties can vary greatly based on the nature of the offense. The court looks at what happened and the level of negligence involved when handing down sentences.
Manslaughter by Vehicle
This charge is treated as a felony. If convicted, you could face up to 10 years in prison along with a fine of up to $5,000. The law considers this offense very serious as it involves a high level of negligence resulting in a loss of life.
Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle
This offense is usually classified as a misdemeanor. It carries a potential sentence of up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Additional Consequences
Beyond prison sentences, there are other long-lasting effects to consider. A conviction may lead to civil lawsuits, meaning you could be held responsible for damages in a separate legal action. You also risk losing your driving privileges and suffering increased insurance rates, which can impact your daily life.
Other collateral consequences can extend far beyond a criminal conviction and the consequences listed above. These impacts may affect various parts of your life for years to come, even after you’ve served your sentence. They may include:
- Employment Challenges: A criminal conviction remains on your record and may show up during background checks. This can lead to difficulties when applying for jobs, especially in fields that require a clean record or professional licenses. Employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a conviction, especially one as serious as this, which could limit your career options.
- Housing and Financial Impacts: Housing options might become limited since many landlords perform background checks on potential tenants. A conviction can also affect your ability to qualify for loans, making it difficult to secure housing. These challenges can lead to long-term housing instability and financial strain, making everyday life more difficult.
- Social and Community Effects: A criminal record can influence your relationships and how you are perceived in the community. It might affect eligibility for certain educational opportunities or community programs. These social effects can create a lasting barrier to rebuilding personal relationships and professional networks.
An experienced attorney can help you explore ways to mitigate these effects and work toward a fresh start.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter?
When facing vehicular manslaughter charges, it’s important to explore all possible defenses to protect your rights and build a strong case. Common ones include:
No Gross or Criminal Negligence
This defense focuses on showing that your actions did not fall far below the standard expected from an ordinary driver. By demonstrating that your behavior did not involve gross recklessness or criminal negligence, you can argue that the accident was not entirely your fault or that even if it was your fault, it couldn’t have been avoided.
Evidence such as expert testimony or accident reconstruction can support this claim. The goal is to prove that you acted reasonably under the circumstances.
Contributory Negligence
In some cases where you’re charged with this offense, you may argue that the victim’s actions played a part in causing the accident. By highlighting the victim’s role in creating a risky situation, you can build a case that the accident was not solely caused by your driving. It requires showing that the victim ignored warnings or acted in a way that increased the danger.
Faulty Equipment
Sometimes, a defect or malfunction in the vehicle can be a major contributor to an unfortunate event. This defense involves demonstrating that a mechanical failure, such as a brake malfunction or tire blowout, led to the accident. Documentation from maintenance records and expert analysis can help support this claim.
Sudden Emergency
This argument is used when you encounter an unexpected, sudden emergency that forces you to act quickly. The defense asserts that your response to the situation was a reasonable reaction, given the circumstances. It shows that while the outcome was tragic, you were trying to prevent further harm.
Intoxication or Impairment Was Not the Cause
Even if you were under the influence, it might be possible to argue that your intoxication did not contribute to the accident. This defense requires proving that other factors, such as poor road conditions or the actions of another driver, played a more significant role in the incident. Presenting witness accounts or video footage can help establish this. The focus is on separating your impairment from the direct cause of the fatal accident.
Each of these defenses could have a significant impact on your case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Prince George’s County Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer
Facing charges in Prince George’s County, MD, can be an overwhelming experience, and it’s important to understand every aspect of your case. The potential penalties, both legal and collateral, can affect many areas of your life. Taking the time to get a clear picture of your options may help you better plan your next steps. Remember that you are not alone, and there are professionals ready to help guide you through each stage of the process. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County vehicular manslaughter lawyer.