Vehicular Homicide/Assault cases are tragic. They often involve allegations that the defendant was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Even if intoxication is not an issue, the consequences are still high if the defendant drove in a reckless manner or expressed a wanton disregard for people’s lives. Many defendants face prison. For these reasons, it is absolutely critical to contact attorney Alexander Ransom as soon as possible.
When the death of any person happens as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of a vehicle, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle (1) while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug; or (2) in a reckless manner; or (3) with disregard for the safety of others. Vehicular Homicide is a Class A felony punishable up to 25 years in prison and a $50,000.00 fine. Any prior convictions for alcohol-related Vehicular Homicides bring an additional two years to the sentence for each prior offense.
A person is guilty of Vehicular Assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle (1) in a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or (2) while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or (3) with disregard for the safety of others or causes substantial bodily harm to another. Vehicular Assault is a Class B felony punishable up to 10 years prison and a $20,000.00 fine.
Additionally, Vehicular Assault can be charged as a strike offense. In Washington, a person who is convicted of three strike offenses must be confined to prison for the rest of their lives, with no chance of early release or parole.
Additional Driving Consequences
The Department of Licensing (DOL) shall revoke the license or permit to drive of a person convicted of Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault. The DOL shall determine the eligibility to receive a license based upon the report provided by the designated alcoholism treatment facility or probation department designated pursuant, and shall deny reinstatement until satisfactory progress in an approved program has been established and the person is otherwise qualified.
If you or someone you care about faces Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault crimes in Skagit County or Whatcom County, call attorney Alexander Ransom today for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. He is here to assist you through these difficult times.
