Lancaster Vehicular Homicide Attorney

In Pennsylvania, the charge of vehicular homicide – or homicide by vehicle – applies to the crime of causing someone else’s death as a result of gross negligence or recklessness behind the wheel. The underlying crime tends to be DUI, distraction, or excess speed, and the legal consequences of a conviction are serious. If you’ve been charged with homicide by vehicle, don’t wait to reach out for the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Lancaster, PA, vehicular homicide attorney.

The Elements of the Charge

To be convicted of homicide by vehicle, each of the following must apply:

You engaged in a form of recklessness or gross negligence that is illegal behind the wheel.
Your actions were the direct cause of the car accident in question.
Someone else lost their life as a result.

The Charge of Vehicular Homicide

The charge of vehicular homicide is generally brought as a third-degree felony, and a conviction carries a prison sentence of up to 7 years, along with fines of up to $15,000. Additionally, there is a three-year driver’s license suspension that can directly affect your livelihood and the plans you’ve made for your future.

Charge enhancements can also come into play when any of the following apply:

Work zone violations
Texting while driving
Failure to yield to emergency vehicles as required or failure to yield in emergency response areas

Having a Felony Conviction on Your Record

The consequences of having a felony conviction on your record are immense.

A Felony Conviction Is Permanent

A felony conviction for vehicular homicide will stay on your record permanently, which means it will show up in background checks and can affect your job prospects as well as your opportunities in relation to housing and higher education.

A Felony Conviction Means the Loss of Rights

A felony conviction comes with a federal prohibition against purchasing, possessing, or owning firearms. Further, you will likely lose your right to vote during your imprisonment.

A Felony Conviction Can Void Your Professional Licensure

There are a range of professional licenses that felons can’t obtain, including in fields related to education, health care, and the law.

If you have a felony conviction on your record, it can directly affect your standing in the community, which can reverberate into your future.

It’s important to keep in mind that being charged with vehicular homicide does not mean that you’re guilty of the crime. Your trusted criminal defense lawyer will challenge the evidence against you, build a strong defense on your behalf, and fiercely pursue an optimal outcome, which could potentially mean having the charge against you dropped altogether.

An Experienced Lancaster, PA, Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Can Help

Stephen Grosh at the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh is a knowledgeable Lancaster vehicular homicide attorney who is committed to skillfully defending your legal rights and to sparing no effort in his quest for your case’s best possible resolution. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 717-435-8830 today.