Reckless driving is never a wise decision, especially when you place the lives of other road users in danger. When a person’s careless driving causes another individual’s death, known as vehicular homicide, the punishment may be severe. In Pennsylvania, a vehicular homicide conviction can result in jail time, steep fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license.

When facing serious charges, you need someone who understands the intricacies of the criminal justice system and how to help you achieve the best results. At Mette Law, our team has years of criminal defense experience, having served as a private defense attorney and an assistant public defender. His diverse experience allows him to pursue various avenues, even representing numerous clients with great success on appeal.

Proving Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

To be convicted of any crime, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest standard in the law, meaning that the evidence is so convincing that the only conclusion a reasonable person could draw is that you committed the crime in question.

A criminal defense lawyer’s task is to create doubt in the jury members’ minds. This is done by making the jury question whether the prosecution presents the entire truth about the incident. If the defense can show proof of an alibi (testimony from another person that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred) or question if the traffic stop was lawful, you may have the charges dropped or dismissed. Although it is at a judge’s discretion whether certain information will be admitted into evidence, the jury will determine the facts and render the verdict.

Pennsylvania Law on Vehicular Homicide

Pennsylvania law defines vehicular homicide as “recklessly or with gross negligence” causing the death of another person through the use or operation of a vehicle. The person’s death must have been the direct result of your violating a traffic law. Reckless driving may include drag racing, speeding, changing lanes erratically, or any acts that disregard the safety of others. Vehicular homicide is a third-degree felony offense in Pennsylvania, punishable by seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.

If the violation occurred in an active work zone or you are driving on a suspended or revoked license, you could potentially be sentenced to an additional five years in jail. If you were intoxicated at the time of the offense, then you will be charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. A conviction comes with a minimum statutory sentence of three years.

Collateral Consequences of a Vehicular Homicide Conviction

Though a vehicular homicide conviction is accompanied by jail time and hefty fines, additional penalties that may be imposed include:

• Revocation of professional licensure
• Inability to find suitable housing or gainful employment
• Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
• Loss of firearm rights
• The requirement to install an ignition interlock device in the vehicle
• Court-ordered mental health counseling
• Probation or parole

These collateral consequences can impact the rest of your life long after your sentence has been completed. Given a conviction’s gravity, you want someone fighting adamantly for you. When you work with our defense lawyers, we fight to preserve your civil liberties.

Legal Advocacy Against Vehicular Homicide Charges

Being accused of a criminal offense can make anyone shake in their boots. At Mette Law, our team will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your situation. We will keep you updated on your case from beginning to end. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with vehicular homicide, help is only a phone call or click away. To learn how we can serve you, contact us online or by phone at (717) 232-5000 today.