Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated in California
The California Penal Code (PC 191.5(a)) defines the offense of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which is considered to be more severe felony charge.
The burden of proof is on the district attorney and they must be prove that:
- You were driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
- While you were driving under the influence, you committed an additional wrongful act;
- You committed this additional wrongful act with the requisite gross negligence; and
- Your grossly negligent wrongful act caused the death of another.
Don't face vehicular manslaughter charges alone. Get skillful defense from our Fresno vehicular manslaughter lawyers and contact us today.
Vehicular Manslaughter Without Gross Negligence in California
California statute 191.5(b)—the death of the individual was "either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, but without gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, but without gross negligence."
The burden of proof for this offense is on the district attorney and they must show the following elements:
- That the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
- That the driver negligently committed an unlawful act, or a lawful but dangerous act, in addition to driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol; and
- That the driver's negligence caused the death of another.
What is the Difference?
The two laws differ due to the element of gross negligence, which means that "a person acts in this manner when he acts in a reckless manner that creates a high risk of death or bodily injury that a reasonable person would consider to be dangerous." Thus, the standard of gross negligence is considered to be at a higher level than that of simple carelessness or inattentiveness.
Accordingly, these two crimes involve different penalties. Because gross vehicular manslaughter involves the additional element the penalty is generally more severe.
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated: A sentence to a term in the county jail for no more than one year or a sentence of a prison term of 16 months, two or four years.
- Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated: A sentence to a term in prison of four, six, or 10 years.
However, as with most crimes, the penalty may be enhanced if you have been previously convicted of a DUI or other charges in the past. If you are charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated after having been previously convicted of the crime, the possible sentence may be imprisonment for a term of life with the opportunity to seek parole after serving 15 years.
Get Defense to Vehicular Manslaughter Charges
If you are facing charges related to the offense DUI in the San Joaquin Valley, including Fresno County, Kings County, Madera County and Tulare County, do not think that your only choice is to plead guilty. Take a moment to contact the Fresno vehicular manslaughter attorneys at Wapner Jones, PC and schedule a consultation in order to discuss the facts of your case and be advised of your options.
Call our Fresno vehicular manslaughter lawyer at (559) 266-8604 today. The consultation is free.