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What are the penalties and sentencing for committing Vehicular manslaughter?

I am very worried about my son (he is 18). A month ago he was the driver in a very serious car accident with two of his friends. It is still not clear exactly what happend, but the car lost control and hit a tree and one of the friends who was a passenger is in very serious critical condition at the hospital, with a chance he might not survive. The family of the boy is threatening to sue for vehicular manslaughter. What can we do to try and work around this and settle in some other way?

Answers (1)

I am very sorry to hear about these dire circumstances you are currently facing. Vehicular manslaughter depends on the nature and details of how it had occured. If your son was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it would count as a felony, have a mandatory jail sentence & steep fines. The family of the victim could also sue for damages such as medical bills and pain & suffering in addition to the penalties you pay to the state.

Some states are stricter on this subject and there have been a couple of cases that were charged with Capital Murder. However, if it was purely an accident and was not as a result of gross, negligence, illegal, or drunk driving, then you can defend the case and have the Vehicular Manslaughter charge be convicted as a Misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail time. The family would still due for damages though.

Have you spoke to a Criminal Defense Attorney yet? That would be highly advisable. They can help defend the case and would be familiar with the exact state statutes and laws in your state surrounding Vehicular Manslaughter. Al though you will more then likely be sued, a criminal defense attorney can help limit the compensation award you would be entitled to pay and help reduce jail time.

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