Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is the name given to incidents in which a person is killed through the negligent use of a vehicle. In the U.S., all but a few states have formal legislation establishing laws specifically regarding vehicular homicide. These laws allow courts to treat a motor vehicle as a deadly weapon in certain situations, and can lead to very harsh sentencing. A person charged with vehicular homicide can be tried for murder, as if a gun or other more “traditional” weapon had been involved instead of a car.
The laws governing vehicular homicide charges can vary from state to state, so it is important to understand the specifics of your area. The Appleton criminal defense lawyers of Kohler, Hart & Priebe can help you get the facts you need for cases that fall under Wisconsin law.
Impairment and Vehicular Homicide Charges
Certain factors make it more likely that an individual will be involved in an incident where he or she might be charged with vehicular homicide. Impaired driving is one such factor:
- Impairment caused by drinking and driving cannot be used as a full defense in any crime, including vehicular homicide.
- Despite the fact that very few people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs intend to harm anyone, prosecutors can try to make the case that the intoxicated individual was driving with an implied intent to kill.
- Just because a driver is unimpaired does not mean that he or she cannot be charged with vehicular homicide.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been charged with vehicular homicide or involved in an incident where vehicular homicide charges are possible, you should contact an expert to receive legal advice as soon as possible. Contact the Appleton criminal defense attorneys of Kohler, Hart & Priebe today at 414-271-9595.