Understanding Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Pennsylvania

Every state defines vehicular manslaughter differently, but in Pennsylvania, it generally refers to ‘homicide by vehicle’ punishable under § 3732 of the PA Criminal Code. If you’ve been charged with vehicular manslaughter in Harrisburg, you’re facing criminal homicide charges.

Do not speak to the police. Request representation and call the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Mette Law in Harrisburg, PA. You can call 717-232-5000 or confidentially connect with our criminal defense team online.

Defining Homicide by Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Vehicular manslaughter – homicide by vehicle – occurs when a driver recklessly causes the death of another person while violating state or local traffic laws, including drunk driving laws (75 Pa. C.S. § 3732). The legal violation must cause death, and ‘recklessness’ or ‘gross negligence’ implies criminal conduct beyond general negligence. It means that the driver intentionally operated the vehicle with a reckless disregard for human life or safety, even if he or she did not intend to cause harm. Prosecutors may file these charges for fatal injuries caused by other vehicle occupants, passengers, or pedestrians.

Potential Traffic Violations Supporting Vehicular Manslaughter Charges

Reckless driving behaviors potentially resulting in PA homicide by vehicle charges include the following:

• Excessive speeding
• Weaving (dangerous lane changes while speeding)
• Drunk driving
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Tailgating (intentionally following too closely)
• Aggressive behaviors
• Knowingly operating an unsafe vehicle
• Operating the vehicle without a valid license and training
• Eluding police (car chases)
• Drag racing
• Extreme distraction (fighting with passengers)
• Entering the wrong exit ramp/side of the road
• Intentionally running red lights and stop signs
• Cell phone use and texting

Nearly 1% of all Pennsylvania car accidents result in fatal injuries, but many fatal crashes only involve general negligence. Typical negligent driving behaviors, such as quickly glancing at your phone, non-excessive speeding, blind spot accidents, and confusion about the right of way, do not generally support homicide by vehicle charges in Harrisburg. An experienced vehicular manslaughter defense lawyer can argue that any fatal accident was not the result of reckless driving.

Consequences of PA Vehicular Manslaughter Convictions

Homicide by vehicle is a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Convictions can also require drivers to pay restitution to their victims’ families in addition to any damages awarded in civil wrongful death lawsuits. It also adds a significant felony conviction to the offender’s criminal record, impacting their civil rights and employment opportunities.

If the death occurred in an active work zone or emergency response area, the court may sentence the offender to an additional 5 years in prison. Harrisburg judges can also add 5 years to a sentence when the case involves driving without a valid license or texting/cell phone use.

Retain an Experienced Homicide Vehicle Defense Lawyer

Dedicated vehicular manslaughter counsel at Mette Law will fight to defeat these charges. In some cases, our Harrisburg criminal defense lawyers can negotiate favorable plea deals and significantly mitigate the consequences of homicide by vehicle convictions in Pennsylvania. Call our vehicle crimes defense team immediately at 717-232-5000 or contact us online to discuss your case confidentially.