Put 70+ Years of Combined Legal Experience on Your Side
If you have been accused of or arrested for vehicular homicide in Ohio, you could face years in prison if convicted. You may face heavy fines and lose your driver’s license, as well as face collateral consequences like a ruined reputation, loss of professional licenses, and many others. You must act quickly and involve an attorney to defend your rights. If you’ve been accused of vehicular homicide, contact our Cleveland vehicular homicide lawyers today.
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we represent defendants in Cleveland and the surrounding areas against all types of vehicular homicide charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter. These cases often also involve DUI or traffic violations, and they may involve complex technical matters related to blood alcohol levels or accident reconstruction. As a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys led by two former prosecutors, we understand the nuances of these matters and can build credible arguments for our clients as we protect their interests.
Find out how we can help you by calling (440) 471-7784! Our Cleveland vehicular homicide attorneys are standing by. We even offer a free initial phone consultation to help you get started.
What Are the Penalties for Vehicular Homicide in Ohio?
The crimes of vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular homicide, and vehicular manslaughter are defined in Section 2903.06 of the Ohio Revised Code. All three involve causing the death of another person while operating a car, truck, SUV, boat, or another motorized vehicle. The specific circumstances of the alleged offense will determine what type of charge a person faces and the penalties that may be enforced.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter is a second-degree misdemeanor that involves unintentionally causing the death of another person as a result of committing a traffic violation, such as running a red light or speeding.
Vehicular manslaughter is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, fines of up to $750, and license suspension.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is a first-degree misdemeanor that involves causing another’s death as a result of negligence or speeding in a construction zone. Again, this is not an intentional act. Vehicular homicide charges may come about after a fatal traffic accident caused by carelessness or a failure to act with proper care.
This offense is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and license suspension.
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
The most serious of these three offenses, aggravated vehicular homicide is a felony. It involves a situation where a driver’s indifference or wanton disregard for the safety of others led to a fatal accident.
There are two categories of aggravated vehicular homicide in Ohio:
- Aggravated vehicular homicide involving reckless driving is a third-degree felony, punishable by 9 months to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and 3 years to lifelong license suspension.
- Aggravated vehicular homicide involving DUI/OVI or BUI is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, and lifetime license revocation.
Talk to a Cleveland Vehicular Homicide Defense Attorney
Penalties like these will alter the course of your life. You cannot afford to forgo legal counsel or settle for an inexperienced attorney. Choose a team that has the fortitude and the resources to go to bat for you and seek the best possible outcome, no matter the odds or obstacles that may stand in the way. Choose Patituce & Associates, LLC.
With more than 70 years of collective legal experience, our attorneys understand how to effectively defend clients in the face of vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges. Vehicular homicide cases are unique in that they do not involve an intent to cause harm, but rather an alleged act of negligence or a violation of DUI or traffic laws. They can rely on seemingly minor details or mistakes, that, uncovered, change the entire course of the case and lead to an acquittal or dismissal. No case is set in stone; there is always hope.
Contact our firm today to find out how our Cleveland vehicular homicide lawyers can help you face a brighter future.