Involuntary manslaughter, also known as vehicular homicide, is the negligent operation of a vehicle that results in an unintentional death.  The death is a direct result of the accused committing an unlawful act, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  It is important to know that you may be charged for involuntary manslaughter not just by the occupant of another vehicle but also for the death of a passenger in your car, including an unborn child.  Vehicular manslaughter can also be referred to as felony vehicular manslaughter.

Besides being intoxicated, there are other types of unsafe driving practices that may result in your being charged with vehicular manslaughter.  If you are engaged in street racing, reckless driving or other similar unlawful unsafe driving practices that result in a fatal accident, you may also find yourself charged with involuntary manslaughter.

If you are arrested for vehicular manslaughter because you were under the influence of alcohol when you were involved in an accident, you will most likely be looking at mandatory prison time.  Other offenses that may also be charged based on the specifics of your case may include:

• Recklessly endangering another person
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding
• DUI or DWI
• Careless Driving
• Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while DUI

The sentence upon a conviction is indeterminate. If however, the prosecutor can show that the death occurred because you consumed alcohol or a controlled substance, you may face a mandatory three-year prison sentence in addition to other charges received as a result of the accident.

Several factors will determine the severity of your sentence including prior DUI convictions, being on parole at the time of the accident, or previous prison time for vehicular manslaughter.  Any of these factors will typically result in a longer state prison term.  Besides serving time, if you are convicted of vehicular manslaughter, you will lose your driving privileges and be subject to probation as well as huge fines.

An experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney specializing in vehicular manslaughter can help to protect your rights while seeking to have the charges dismissed or reduced.   Some of the things our experienced criminal defense attorney may do include:

• Challenge DUI charges including attacking the veracity of field sobriety and BAC testing
• Make sure that your right not to make a statement until you have a lawyer present is respected
• Interview witnesses and review evidence to look for weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case
• Analyze and challenge all stop, search and arrest procedures
• Handle negative media and public opinion

Being convicted of vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime, especially if you have a prior DUI conviction.  As an experienced Pittsburgh DUI defense attorney, I understand that sometimes good people make unfortunate decisions, such as getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated.  We work aggressively to help prevent an isolated mistake from determining the course of the rest of your life.  It is important that anyone charged with vehicular manslaughter contact a Pittsburgh DUI attorney specializing in DUI and/or vehicular manslaughter immediately.