Vehicular homicide convictions come with harsh penalties

Vehicular homicide is defined as a killing of another human being as a result of driving in a reckless manner. It also includes the death of unborn children in the definition per the 2017 Florida statute.

The interesting thing about vehicular homicide is that these events are not necessarily intentional. However, they still result in penalties including first- or second-degree felony charges. Vehicular homicides become first-degree felonies if the person who causes an accident does not stop at the scene and knew or should have known that the accident took place.

After a vehicular homicide, the deceased’s family has a right to pursue a civil lawsuit. The family may seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.

In criminal court, you could face penalties including fines and prison time. In addition to those penalties, the court has the right to require you to serve 120 hours of community service.

These must be served in a hospital or trauma center where victims of car crashes commonly come. You must stay under the supervision of a physician, emergency medical technician or registered nurse during your community service hours.

Florida’s laws require a lot from those who cause deaths because of their reckless actions. To further drive the point home, the courts are encouraged to penalize defendants with community service that has them relive the tragedy they’ve already been through.

Our website has more about vehicular homicide and what to do if you’re facing charges. A good defense can help you fight for reduced charges, so you can get back to your normal life.