Princeton DUI Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Attorneys
Vehicular Manslaughter
Automobile accidents involving multiple vehicles often don’t end well. Aside from property damage, injury to the well-being of an individual can also result. In the most unfortunate cases, wrongful death can occur, which often carries with it harsh charges that may include vehicular manslaughter. In the state of New Jersey, vehicular manslaughter charges are among the most serious of all potential charges that can be filed against an individual, particularly if the individual is suspected of operating the involved vehicle while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
Vehicular manslaughter is defined as the act of causing death to another person due to the illegal operation and maneuvering of a motor vehicle. Illegal operation can include reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), traveling at speeds greater than posted limits, or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, if alcohol is deemed to have been a determining factor in the incident, then vehicular manslaughter in New Jersey will most likely be charged as a felony.
Furthermore, in the state of New Jersey, victim restitution may be sought after by the families of those individuals that have suffered wrongful death in a vehicular accident, allowing those families to seek damages for medical expenses, loss of wages, and even pain and suffering. Regardless of the situation, the best course of action taken if accused of vehicular manslaughter is to retain the services of a skilled New Jersey DWI defense attorney that will examine every detail surrounding the circumstances of the incident that led to wrongful death, and will make sure that your rights are upheld in a court of law.
Punishment associated with vehicular manslaughter resulting from DUI or DWI involves serving a term in state prison. If a court of law determines that an individual is in fact guilty of vehicular manslaughter, then the individual will have little recourse in appealing the charge without the assistance of a skilled Princeton DWI defense lawyer. While evidence collected at the scene of the incident may point towards an individual’s imminent guilt, a careful examination of that evidence can reveal mistakes in administering field sobriety tests or even improperly calibrated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing devices. Proving that methods of determining toxicity levels were inaccurate can greatly strengthen a vehicular manslaughter defense, particularly since a sober individual accused of such crimes is not punished as harshly as an individual that is under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
If you or a loved one has been accused or arrested for vehicular manslaughter in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.