All You Need to Know about Vehicular Homicide in Connecticut

If a car accident results in a fatality, criminal charges may be filed. In Connecticut, this offense is known as vehicular manslaughter. The severity of the charges may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the driver’s actions.

Even though your mind may be fixated on the value of personal injury claims expected against you, some accidents may result in fatalities. This raises grounds for a criminal charge. Connecticut refers to this offense as vehicular manslaughter. How, then, can you navigate criminal liability in the case of vehicular homicide?

Read more below to uncover insights into vehicular homicide and all you need to know to challenge a criminal charge of this type while protecting your rights.

Vehicular Homicide

In Connecticut, this offense is classified as a type of second-degree manslaughter. To be charged, several conditions must be met, namely:

1. You operated a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or liquor. 
2. You caused the death of a person with your car as a result of your intoxicated state.

Note that the terms motor vehicle and drugs utilized above are generic. They encompass all types of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles. The catch-all nature of the term drugs also includes prescription drugs, which may impair judgment and affect your motor abilities. 

Other Offenses You May Be Charged With

There are several offenses you may be charged with as an alternative to vehicular homicide. Firstly, there is manslaughter in the first degree. You will be liable if you were reckless, deliberately ignored substantial risks associated with your actions, and a person was killed as a result. This is the most severe offense and carries a penalty of a $15,000 fine or a jail term of 20 years or more. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be sentenced to both. 

There is also misconduct with a vehicle. This is a Class D felony. It involves a situation where you were ordinarily negligent in the conduct of the car, caused an accident, and a person was killed. In such a case, the jail time is a maximum of 5 years, and the fine is up to $5,000.  

What Are Your Rights?

You’re entitled to all your Miranda Rights when charged with vehicular homicide. This includes the right to remain silent as well as the right to an attorney. 

Remember that the right to remain silent is your protection against self-incrimination. Anything you say to the police or prosecution can and will be used against you when presented before a court of law. 

Punishment for Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide is a Class C felony. Offenses under this class are punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail term of up to 10 years. You may receive both punishments if the consequences of the accident are severe.

“Vehicular homicide convictions become part of an individual’s permanent criminal record, affecting their future employment, travel, and other civil rights,” says attorney Mark Sherman of The Law Offices of Mark Sherman, LLC. 

An experienced criminal defense attorney will analyze your case to determine whether any of your rights were violated and mount a defense to either relegate your charge to negligent misconduct or minimize the sentence.

Conclusion

Vehicular homicide is a serious offense that requires a sturdy defense, especially since the punishment is often severe. Consult a criminal defense attorney early enough for options on your defense.