Vehicular Homicide

Traffic Attorney in the Kittanning Area

Vehicular homicide is a serious traffic violation in Pennsylvania, causing the tragic loss of many lives annually due to reckless driving. The emotional burden of unintentionally causing harm, combined with the upcoming legal consequences, often leaves individuals overwhelmed with fear and regret. Convictions can lead to significant fines and potential imprisonment, presenting a challenging future.

What Is Vehicular Homicide?

Vehicular homicide involves two main scenarios:

• Driving recklessly and causing a fatal accident
• Driving with gross negligence while breaking another law, which results in a fatality (e.g., drag racing or excessive speeding).

It’s essential to understand that vehicular homicide does not cover traffic deaths caused by drunk or impaired driving (DUI), which falls under different legal statutes. The penalties are harsh, classified as a third-degree felony, with offenders facing up to seven years in prison and fines reaching $15,000.

For incidents in active work zones, the potential prison sentence can increase by an additional five years, totaling twelve years. If you face such severe circumstances, seeking immediate help from a skilled Kittanning criminal lawyer is vital. They will assist you in countering these harsh measures and protecting your future.

Factors Affecting Penalties

The severity of punishment in vehicular homicide cases varies based on several factors:

• Intention: If the act was unintentional, the penalties might be considerably lower.
• Alcohol: Mere consumption of alcohol while driving doesn’t automatically mean guilt, allowing for a defensible DUI case in court.
• Negligence: The absence of a direct link between the accused’s negligence and the victim’s death might result in no penalty.
• History: Prior criminal history, including past convictions and substance abuse issues, is also considered by the courts.

What to Do If You Are Arrested

In the unfortunate event of an arrest, it’s crucial to handle the situation wisely. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Cooperate with the Police: Stay calm and cooperate during the arrest process. Trying to talk your way out of it is not advisable.
2. Request Legal Representation: If questioned repeatedly, assert your right to a Kittanning criminal attorney and don’t answer further questions until legal counsel is present.
3. Seek Experienced Legal Assistance: In complex cases like vehicular homicide, it’s highly recommended to consult seasoned professionals, such as the Kittanning DUI attorneys at Sean Logue and his associates. They specialize in these cases and can provide robust defense in court.

Contact a Kittanning criminal attorney without delay. The sooner you reach out, the better the chance of achieving a favorable outcome for your case.

How Can Logue Law Group Assist You?

Vehicular homicide cases involve complex legal aspects, including intent and previous records. As a leading Kittanning DUI lawyer, Logue Law Group is well-versed in handling multiple vehicular homicide cases. Our dedicated Kittanning criminal attorneys will vigorously defend all charges against you, thoroughly examining every aspect of your case. We will leave no stone unturned when presenting evidence in court. 

Learn More About Pennsylvania’s Traffic Violation Laws

To protect your rights, it’s crucial to contest the charges you face. The  Kittanning DUI attorneys at Logue Law Group will help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your case.

If you’ve been arrested for vehicular homicide in the Kittanning area, contact Logue Law Group immediately at 844.PITT.DUI or reach out online. Our services are available 24/7, and initial consultations are always free.

Additionally, for more information on Pennsylvania’s Traffic Violation Laws, you can refer to the Pennsylvania Traffic Code under Title 75 for descriptions and definitions of traffic violations.