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Vehicular Manslaughter

Accused Of Vehicular Manslaughter? We Will Protect Your Rights.

A vehicle accident can result in a tragic death. While any car or truck crash that involves loss of life is a terrible incident, when one driver is accused of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the situation can lead to charges of vehicular manslaughter. This charge is filed when it is believed that the death of another person was caused due to criminal negligence: driving while intoxicated and causing a fatal crash.

First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter Charges In Missouri

First-degree involuntary manslaughter charges may be filed against a person who is believed to have been driving drunk or drug intoxicated. The question is: what actually occurred? It is of great importance that every detail of what occurred is fully investigated – law enforcement often jumps to conclusions when one party in a collision is accused of driving drunk. The charges will be filed as a Class B or C felony depending on the facts. The penalties imposed can be from five to 15 years in state prison and fines up to $5,000. A conviction will change your life forever.

Prior Convictions Affect Penalties In Vehicular Manslaughter Cases

For people accused of vehicular manslaughter, prior drunk driving convictions may also affect your case. The penalties imposed in a conviction can range as high as 30 years in prison.

While police and prosecutors may assume a collision occurred due to alcohol or drug intoxication, a full investigation into the facts is necessary. At trial, the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor, who must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that you are the individual who is responsible for the collision. There may be many issues that bring the facts into question, including the blood alcohol content (BAC) testing procedures used, the actions of other drivers in the accident or other case facts not identified by law enforcement.

At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP, our team of criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis has direct access to highly skilled accident investigators and expert witnesses who have the professional skills and knowledge to challenge BAC evidence. Talk to us before you speak to anyone else – our early involvement in the case can be crucial in the final outcome.

Get The Defense You Need. Schedule Your Free Consultation.

We understand that being involved in a fatal crash is a terrible and frightening experience. The shock and horror associated with the collision has a terrible impact upon all involved. To be facing criminal charges that carry the risk of spending time in prison only to be released potentially years later as a convicted felon makes the situation even more frightening.

It is imperative that your first action after such an incident is to retain a skilled criminal defense lawyer who has extensive trial experience. When your future freedom hangs in the balance, you simply cannot take a risk – talk to our legal team at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP. Our partners are licensed to practice in both Illinois and Missouri and have garnered a reputation as aggressive and talented trial lawyers. Listed in Super Lawyers and in the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, you can be confident that our criminal defense lawyers will do everything possible to protect your rights and help you avoid conviction for this very serious offense.

Contact us online or call us at (314) 354-8484 to set up your free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available by request.