Kitsap County Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

When facing the grave legal consequences associated with vehicular homicide, it is essential to have a legal team that understands the intricacies of the law and is committed to advocating for your rights. Ramirez & Cooper, Inc. is a formidable ally for individuals navigating the complexities of vehicular homicide charges in Kitsap County, Washington. 

Call Ramirez & Cooper, Inc. today at (206) 222-7701 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our vehicular homicide attorney in Kitsap County!

What is Vehicular Homicide?

Vehicular homicide is a serious criminal offense that involves the unlawful causing of another person's death while operating a vehicle. This tragic event can result from various circumstances, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, or gross negligence on the part of the driver.

In Kitsap County, Washington, vehicular homicide charges are brought forth when the prosecution believes there is evidence to prove that the accused's actions behind the wheel directly led to the loss of another person's life.

What Is the Difference Between Vehicular Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide?

Vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide are now considered the same thing. They are both the reckless, negligent murder of another human being using a vehicle. Before the statutes, criminals were usually charged with involuntary manslaughter. They are not just limited to the deaths of passengers but can also include pedestrians, bystanders, and other drivers. Drivers can still be charged with vehicular homicide for not following traffic lights and signs and leading to someone’s death. 

What are the Penalties for Vehicular Homicide in Washington?

The legal landscape surrounding vehicular homicide in Washington is stern, and the penalties upon conviction can be severe. It is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences one may face in the aftermath of such charges. At Ramirez & Cooper, Inc., our experienced legal team can guide you through the intricacies of Washington's vehicular homicide laws. Penalties for vehicular homicide may include:

• Imprisonment: Individuals convicted of vehicular homicide may face substantial prison sentences, depending on the case's specific circumstances.
• Fines: The court may impose significant fines as part of the penalties for vehicular homicide convictions, adding financial burden to the accused.
• License Suspension: Convictions for vehicular homicide often result in the suspension or revocation of the defendant's driver's license, limiting their mobility.
• Probation: In some cases, the court may order probation as part of the sentence, requiring the individual to adhere to strict conditions and regularly check in with a probation officer.
• Restitution: The court may order the convicted individual to pay restitution to the victim's family to cover funeral expenses and other related costs.

Defenses Against Vehicular Homicide Charges

When facing vehicular homicide charges, mounting a strong defense is imperative. At Ramirez & Cooper, Inc., our legal team is well-versed in exploring various defenses tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. Defenses against vehicular homicide charges may include:

• Challenging Evidence: Our attorneys scrutinize the evidence presented by the prosecution, looking for weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be used to challenge the case.
• Mistaken Identity: In some instances, mistaken identity may be a viable defense, particularly if there are uncertainties regarding the driver's identity involved in the incident.
• Proving Lack of Causation: Establishing that the defendant's actions were not the direct cause of the victim's death is a critical strategy in building a defense against vehicular homicide charges.
• Questioning Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Tests: For cases involving DUI-related vehicular homicide charges, challenging the accuracy and reliability of BAC tests is a common defense strategy.
• Demonstrating Compliance with Traffic Laws: Showing that the accused adhered to traffic laws and regulations during the incident can be a powerful defense against allegations of reckless driving.

A vehicular homicide is a Class A felony if it is a drunk driving vehicular homicide, and an offender could serve anywhere from 31 months to life in prison. You could also be fined up to $50,000.

Washington Statutes Defined

According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) section 46.61.520 (1998), vehicular homicide is defined as the death of any person that occurs within three years as a proximate result of injury caused by the driving of any person or vehicle. Whoever was operating that motor vehicle will be held responsible for their death. Negligent driving may include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, or driving without any regard for the safety of others. Any negligent driving that results in the loss of human life is categorized as a felony and is punishable under Chapter 9A.20 of the RCW.

Contact Our Kitsap County Vehicular Homicide Attorney Today 

Navigating vehicular homicide charges demands the expertise of seasoned legal professionals who understand the nuances of Washington's legal system. At Ramirez & Cooper, Inc., we bring a wealth of experience, diligently advocating for our clients and striving for the best possible outcomes in even the most challenging cases. Our commitment is unwavering.

Contact Ramirez & Cooper, Inc. today to schedule a meeting with our vehicular homicide lawyer in Kitsap County!