Negligent Manslaughter

Contact Hutton & Khalaf Today!

Step 1 of 2

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.

Next Step

Step 2 of 2

Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How Can We Help You?
Please enter a message.

Prev Step

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Pasadena DUI Negligent Manslaughter Attorneys

Tens of Thousands of Cases Handled in Southern California

The thought of killing someone while driving in any scenario is unthinkable. When your actions while driving under the influence cause the death of another motorist, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, you will likely be charged with some form of vehicular manslaughter in addition to DUI charges. However, the extent of the consequences will depend on how the prosecution specifically chooses to charge you.

The circumstances of the DUI incident and your role in the fatality-causing accident will determine whether you are charged with gross vehicular manslaughter or negligent vehicular manslaughter. The former is a far more severe allegation with harsher penalties. Negligent vehicular manslaughter is still an extremely serious offense, but there is more discretion in how you will be charged and punished if convicted.

Our Pasadena DUI negligent manslaughter lawyers at Hutton & Khalaf can help you explore your legal options if your actions resulted in a fatality. We have successfully handled cases involving both negligent manslaughter and gross manslaughter and can work to achieve the best possible result in your case.

Do not wait to speak to an experienced attorney if you have been charged with negligent vehicular manslaughter. Call (626) 397-9700 or contact us online to discuss your case.

How DUI Negligent Vehicular Manslaughter Differs from DUI Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

Both DUI negligent vehicular manslaughter and DUI gross vehicular manslaughter involve the unintentional killing of one or more persons while operating a vehicle under the influence. Note that DUI and vehicular manslaughter laws also apply to watercraft (via boating under the influence laws) in addition to trucks, cars, motorcycles, and other automobiles.

Violating DUI laws constitutes negligence regardless of any other mitigating circumstances. Gross vehicular manslaughter charges are typically sought when the prosecution believes that the motorist was acting in “reckless disregard” for the life of another human being. This is a higher legal standard than “ordinary” negligence, which is generally established by default when DUI laws are broken.

Prosecutors may choose to pursue gross vehicular manslaughter charges if a driver was:

Excessively speeding (30 mph over the speed limit on highways, 20 mph over the speed limit on surface roads)
Running stop signs or red lights
Swerving
Failing to properly signal
Failing to appropriately use headlights at night
Operating a vehicle with a BAC well over the legal limit

If a driver operating a vehicle under the influence was not driving recklessly but nonetheless was involved in a fatality-causing accident, they may avoid gross vehicular manslaughter charges and instead receive negligent vehicular manslaughter charges. Both gross vehicular manslaughter and negligent vehicular manslaughter charges are considered “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies.

California prosecutors heavily rely upon law enforcement reports and witness testimony when deciding whether to pursue gross vehicular manslaughter or negligent vehicular manslaughter charges. You will face less severe penalties if convicted when you are only charged with DUI negligent manslaughter, so it is important to be as cooperative with law enforcement as possible. Abrasive, resistant, or violent behavior will reflect poorly in the incident’s official report and can lead to enhanced charges.

What Are the Penalties for DUI Negligent Vehicular Manslaughter in California?

The extent of the consequences for being convicted of a DUI negligent vehicular homicide will depend on whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor. If only charged as a misdemeanor, you will only face up to one additional year of jail time. Felony charges can result in up to 4 years in prison. (For comparison’s sake, a felony charge involving gross vehicular manslaughter can result in up to 10 years of jail time.)

In many cases, penalties related to a negligent manslaughter conviction will be in addition to any consequences resulting from your DUI case. You can also face additional penalties if multiple parties are injured or if you have multiple DUIs on your record, especially if you are facing felony charges for a fourth DUI.

Continue Reading Read Less

When I hired Rich Hutton after countless recommendations, the first thing he told me to do was to just go live my life and leave the worrying to him.

- David S.
Just received a call from Mr. Wilson's office asking where to mail the $16,000 check they held in a custodian account in the event we went to trial. They could have kept every penny of that and it still would have been worth it to us.

- B & G
They handled every detail. I highly recommend the Hutton & Khalaf law firm to everyone.

- TJ J.
Staff is wonderful and always gets back to my phone calls and emails within a timely manner.

- Courtney A.

View All

Exhibition of speed .08 / .08 breath DUI
Dry reckless .08 breath
Exhibition of speed .09 / .10 breath
Exhibition of speed .09 / .10 breath DUI
Exhibition of speed .09 breath DUI

How Our Attorneys Can Help in DUI Negligent Vehicular Manslaughter Cases

Prosecutors tend to have a great deal of discretion in deciding whether to pursue gross or negligent vehicular manslaughter charges in a DUI case. They will then have the ability to decide whether to charge you with a misdemeanor or felony offense.

Our Pasadena DUI negligent manslaughter attorneys at Hutton & Khalaf can negotiate directly with prosecutors and advocate for more lenient charges based on the unique circumstances of your situation. We are familiar with the legal standards associated with each charge and can identify and leverage any deficiencies in the prosecution’s case to seek the best possible outcome.

We are available 24/7 to answer questions about DUI and vehicular and manslaughter cases. When you hire our firm, we do everything possible to protect your rights and your future.

Schedule a confidential and complimentary consultation with our team to discuss the specifics of your case. Call (626) 397-9700 or contact us online to get started.

Handled Well Over 10,000 Cases
Available to Answer Questions 24/7
We're Known as the "Lawyers' Lawyer"
100% Free & Confidential Consultations

Our Promise to You

Our Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys have helped hundreds of our clients throughout Southern California get into programs that protect them from jail while helping them work toward lasting sobriety. We aggressively fight DUI charges against our clients and attempt to avoid a driver's license suspension and other harsh penalties. Whenever possible, we will work with the prosecutors to help see that your life and your family won't be destroyed because of a drunk-driving conviction.

Start Your Defense
In the News

Our firm is widely recognized as one of the leading criminal defense trial firms throughout Los Angeles and all of southern California.

Read More