Facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Louisiana can be devastating, with potential consequences including years of imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you long after any sentence is complete. These charges typically arise when a fatal accident occurs and authorities believe impairment, recklessness, or negligence played a role.
At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we understand the gravity of vehicular homicide charges and the impact they can have on your life. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have defended numerous clients facing these serious allegations throughout Louisiana. We may be able to help develop a strategic defense based on the specific circumstances of your case to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Understanding Vehicular Homicide Charges in Louisiana
Vehicular homicide in Louisiana is defined as the killing of another person caused by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The prosecution must prove several elements to secure a conviction for this serious offense.
First, they must establish that you were operating a vehicle at the time of the incident. Second, they must prove you were intoxicated, typically through blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results, drug testing, or officer observations. Finally, they must demonstrate a causal connection between your alleged impairment and the death that occurred.
The penalties for vehicular homicide in Louisiana are severe, including imprisonment for 5-30 years, fines up to $15,000, license suspension, mandatory community service, and required substance abuse treatment. These penalties increase significantly for repeat offenders or cases involving especially high BAC levels.
Effective Defense Strategies
When facing vehicular homicide charges, several defense strategies may be available, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Challenging BAC Testing Procedures
Blood alcohol and drug testing procedures must follow strict protocols to ensure accuracy. Our attorneys investigate potential issues, including:
- Improper calibration or maintenance of testing equipment
- Inadequate training of testing personnel
- Violations of chain of custody procedures for blood samples
- Failure to observe mandatory waiting periods before breath testing
- Medical conditions or substances that could affect test results
Even seemingly minor procedural errors can sometimes provide grounds for challenging these critical pieces of evidence.
Questioning the Traffic Stop and Arrest
For evidence to be admissible, police must follow proper procedures during the traffic stop, investigation, and arrest. We examine whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop and whether proper Miranda warnings were given at the appropriate time.
Officers must also follow specific protocols when conducting field sobriety tests or collecting evidence. Deviations from these protocols can provide grounds for challenging the evidence against you.
Disputing Causation
Even if impairment existed, prosecutors must prove your impairment actually caused the death. Other factors may have played a more significant role, such as:
- Dangerous road conditions or poor visibility
- Mechanical failures in either vehicle
- The other driver’s negligence or reckless behavior
- Sudden medical emergencies
Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze all factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Team
If you’re facing vehicular homicide charges in Louisiana, securing experienced legal representation immediately is crucial. The early stages of your case can significantly impact the ultimate outcome, and evidence valuable to your defense may disappear if not promptly preserved.
At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys bring years of experience defending clients against serious charges throughout Louisiana. We understand both the legal complexities of vehicular homicide cases and the emotional toll these charges take on defendants and their families. Don’t face these serious allegations alone – contact us today at (318) 377-1555 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation and learn how we may be able to help with your case.