Vehicular Homicide Attorney in Denver

Vehicular homicide is a grave offense that not only ends in the loss of a life, but also has serious and long-lasting consequences for the accused. A vehicular homicide charge is followed by lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and a blemished criminal record. For those facing vehicular homicide charges, it is highly recommended to seek qualified legal representation. Albani Law is well-versed in defending against these charges and may be able to provide invaluable legal assistance for your case. 

Much like vehicular assault cases, vehicular homicide occurs when an individual is either driving recklessly or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, though it results in the death of another person. The term “vehicular manslaughter” does not have a clear legal definition under Colorado law and is generally covered under the umbrella of “vehicular homicide.” 

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes any driving behavior where an individual shows no regard for the safety of other drivers and disobeys traffic laws. This usually includes things like speeding excessively, ignoring traffic signs, and weaving in and out of traffic. Any act of careless driving that endangers others is considered reckless. 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will only increase the charges and penalties in a vehicular homicide case. A blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08% is considered a DUI in the state of Colorado. In some cases, driving under the influence of prescription medications that impair an individual’s ability will also be classified as a DUI. 

What are the Penalties for Vehicular Homicide?

Similar to vehicular assault, vehicular homicide is also classified as a felony in the state of Colorado. However, vehicular homicide is a more severe charge with more intense penalties. 

Vehicular homicide due to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a Class 3 Felony. The penalties include anywhere between 4 and 12 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines. A mandatory parole of 3 years follows. A higher BAC may lead to more severe penalties. 

When a driver is charged with vehicular homicide due to reckless driving and there is no presence of drugs or alcohol, it is a Class 4 Felony. The penalties include anywhere between 2 and 6 years of prison time and up to $500,000 in fines. The mandatory parole for this charge is also 3 years. 

There are other factors that can influence the charges that follow a vehicular homicide. If the accused has a previous criminal record, especially traffic-related offenses or DUIs, the penalties may be more severe. If the accused caused several deaths during the incident or fled the scene, the charges may be increased. 

In some instances, prison time can be avoided. A judge may consider alternative sentencing options, especially for first time offenders, including probation, house arrest, work release programs or community service. 

How Albani Law Can Help Defend Against Vehicular Homicide

If you are facing a vehicular homicide charge, we strongly encourage you to schedule a free consultation to see how Albani Law can help defend against your case. The consequences of a vehicular homicide charge can be truly life-altering and you should not hesitate to take action. Albani Law has the experience and dedication required to effectively fight for your rights. Contact us today to start building your defense. 

Frequently Asked Questions

A vehicular homicide defense attorney in Denver can assist you in several critical ways. We can help navigate the complex legal landscape, including defending against charges stemming from reckless driving or DUI, which are treated very seriously under Colorado law. These attorneys work to potentially reduce penalties, which can range from significant fines to lengthy prison sentences. We can also explore alternative sentencing options like probation or community service, especially for first-time offenders. Defense strategies could include challenging evidence, negotiating plea deals, and representing your interests aggressively in court. For detailed assistance specific to your case, consider contacting a specialized attorney like those at Albani Law.
The penalties for vehicular homicide in Denver can vary significantly based on the circumstances, such as whether DUI was involved. Generally, the charges can range from a Class 3 to Class 4 felony, with potential prison time of 2 to 12 years, substantial fines, and loss of driving privileges. Each case is unique, and penalties can be influenced by factors like prior offenses and the specifics of the incident. A vehicular homicide defense attorney can help mitigate these penalties by advocating on your behalf.
Avoiding jail time for vehicular homicide in Denver depends on the specifics of the case, such as the presence of aggravating factors like DUI. Courts may consider alternative sentencing like probation or community service, especially for first-time offenders or cases without gross negligence. It's crucial to have effective legal representation to explore all possible defenses and mitigating circumstances. An experienced vehicular homicide defense attorney will work to build a compelling case to potentially reduce or eliminate jail time.
Hiring a vehicular homicide defense attorney immediately after being charged in Denver is crucial for several reasons. An attorney can begin building a defense strategy, ensuring that your rights are protected from the start. We can also handle critical early case aspects like bond hearings and interactions with law enforcement, preserving evidence that might be favorable to your case. Additionally, We can guide you through the complex legal proceedings, providing the expertise needed to navigate potential penalties and outcomes effectively. If you need expert legal assistance, please reach out to us for a consultation.

Additional Information in Denver, Colorado

Colorado Department of Transportation - Impaired Driving: Comprehensive resources on impaired driving, detailing the risks, enforcement strategies, and legal consequences in Colorado. It offers education on prevention and outlines statewide initiatives to reduce impaired driving incidents. This information can be crucial in vehicular homicide cases involving impairment, as it provides context on legal standards and enforcement practices that may impact defense strategies. For vehicular homicide defense, understanding these details can help in formulating a defense or negotiating penalties.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Drunk Driving: Extensive data on the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. It features statistics such as the number of deaths due to drunk driving and discusses how alcohol impairs driving abilities. This resource can be invaluable in a vehicular homicide case by providing evidence-based information on the risks associated with different blood alcohol concentration levels. Attorneys, like those at Albani Law, can leverage this data to build a defense or to negotiate the severity of charges based on factual information regarding the effects of alcohol on driving.
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) - Drunk Driving Impacts Everyone: It provides resources and information on the impact of drunk driving, such as statistics and personal stories, which raise awareness about the severity and prevalence of this issue. The site also outlines how individuals can get involved, either through donations, advocacy, or volunteering. In a vehicular homicide case, the insights and data provided by MADD could be crucial for understanding the broader social context of drunk driving, which might be used to influence the proceedings or sentencing.
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