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Louisiana Vehicular Homicide Charges
Call Us | 318-377-1555
Vehicular Homicide Lawyer in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA
No one forgets the first time he or she is charged with a criminal offense, particularly for a crime that resulted in the death of another person. If you face charges of vehicular homicide in Louisiana, you face some of the most severe DWI related charges possible. The state of Louisiana aggressively prosecutes crimes that result in death, which is why you should prepare for your defense by working with a highly trained DWI attorney who fights vehicular homicide charges.
Vehicular Homicide in Louisiana
Vehicular homicide is a felony moving violation characterized by extreme negligence or reckless behavior behind the wheel. This charge is reserved exclusively for drivers who are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. The State defines this offense as the killing of a human being caused by the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and or alcohol as defined by Louisiana’s DWI statute. Intent is not a required element for this crime, which is why some call it vehicular manslaughter.
To be charged with this offense, an offender must have been operating or in actual control of a motor vehicle at the time the offense was allegedly committed. In the state of Louisiana, this can be any means of conveyance, such as a car, motor home, motorcycle, boat, aircraft, or even a bicycle. Additionally, the alleged offender must have been under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol, or a legal substance in excess of the recommended dosage.
What are the Penalties for Vehicular Homicide?
Penalties for this felony offense are often severe and heavily encouraged by the prosecution. You can face anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 in fines and spend up to 30 years in prison. If you are convicted for this offense, you must spend at least 3 years of prison time with or without hard labor without the opportunity for parole, probation, or suspension of your sentence. If your BAC at the time of arrest was over .20%, you can be convicted of a violent crime and may not be eligible for these opportunities before you have served a minimum of five years.
Work with a Louisiana Vehicular Homicide Attorney
Immediate action is required in combating vehicular homicide charges. Without immediate investigation of the facts, evidence often disappears and witnesses forget what happened. While delays sometimes take place in retaining a criminal defense attorney, police are gathering evidence against you. Police officers are writing down or recording every statement you give to them – even when you do not have an attorney present.
Lawyer Eric Johnson promptly investigates what has occurred and will do everything possible to make sure all witnesses are identified, located and interviewed. He can locate expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. Eric also advises you on what your rights are in responding to questions by police officers or investigators for insurance companies.
A criminal conviction can stand in the way of your future and make it difficult to reintegrate into society upon the completion of your sentence. The best way to fight your charges is to align yourself with a tough defense attorney in Louisiana who focuses on DWI and traffic crimes. At The Johnson Law Firm, we have 24 years of experience defending the rights of those who are facing criminal DWI/ DUI charges in Louisiana. Call 318-377-1555 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.