Delaware County Vehicular Homicide Lawyer
Vehicular homicide is a significant criminal charge that can come with a lifetime of repercussions. This crime is a third-degree felony that can lead to years in a state prison, along with a permanent record that could follow the defendant around. If you are facing a vehicular homicide accusation or charge, contact a criminal defense attorney right away. The sooner you start to build your defense, the better your odds are of a successful resolution. Call (610) 692-8700 now for a free case review.
Why Choose Ciccarelli Law Offices?
- We provide undivided attention to each client. We understand how upsetting it can be as someone involved in a vehicular homicide case. Our lawyers will work to make you feel as comfortable and confident during the legal process as possible.
- We have tons of legal experience. Our attorneys bring together more than 30 years of combined legal experience in virtually all practice areas of criminal defense law. We have the skills and knowledge you need for a strong defense.
- We keep our legal fees reasonable. We know most criminal defendants do not have the means to pay exorbitant costs for private defense attorneys. We want to make our services accessible to everyone. That’s why we charge affordable rates.
How a Vehicular Homicide Attorney Can Help
A vehicular homicide conviction can make an already traumatic ordeal even worse. You might already be struggling with feelings of extreme guilt for the thought that you might have caused someone else’s death – on top of personal injuries of your own. Hiring a defense attorney to protect your against a vehicular homicide charge can help put your mind at ease. Your lawyer will handle difficult and complex legal actions for you. An attorney will help you see your options and understand your rights as the defendant in a homicide case.
Vehicular Homicide Laws in Pennsylvania
Anyone who recklessly or with gross negligence causes the death of someone else while violating a traffic law could be guilty of vehicular homicide in the state of Pennsylvania. This crime is a third-degree felony when the vehicle or traffic violation is the cause of the victim’s death. Someone convicted of vehicular homicide can face up to five years’ imprisonment. If the crime occurs while the defendant has a suspended or revoked license, is texting and driving, fails to move over or stop for emergency vehicles, or in an active work zone, the courts may order an additional five years.
The typical sentence for vehicular homicide in Pennsylvania is seven years in a state prison, on top of a three-year driver’s license suspension and $15,000 in fines and penalties. If the defendant was driving under the influence at the time of the deadly accident, the average penalties increase to up to 10 years in prison for each person the accident killed. It is extremely important to hire a defense lawyer to help you protect your rights during a vehicular homicide case. There is too much at stake to represent yourself or trust a public defender.
Potential Defenses Available
It is up to the prosecutor to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of vehicular homicide. Defenses against these charges can include lack of sufficient evidence, you were not actually behaving in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, your actions were not the victim’s cause of death, or you did not break a traffic law leading up to the collision. A strong defense could convince the courts to drop the charges, the jury to acquit you of all charges, or at least a judge to lighten your sentence based on the evidence at hand.
Contact a Defense Lawyer in DELCO Today
The Delaware County Criminal Defense lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices want you to have the strongest criminal defense available. We may be able to represent you or your loved one during a vehicular homicide case in Delaware County. Contact us to learn more about your specific case. Initial consultations are free.