If you were intoxicated and caused an accident that resulted in someone’s death or are otherwise charged with homicide involving a motor vehicle in Lexington, KY, you need experienced legal counsel. The consequences of a conviction can have a profound impact on your life. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers wants to help defend you against these charges.
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience. We have been recognized as National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers. We have a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, indicating our clients’ considerable satisfaction with our legal services. Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation with a skilled Lexington vehicular manslaughter lawyer, you can call at (859) 569-4014.
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How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our team includes former police officers and prosecutors. This gives us an inside perspective on how the other side operates and allows us to mount defenses to defeat the opposition.
When you hire a Lexington criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can trust us to:
- Review the charges against you
- Investigate the facts the prosecution is using against you
- Devise a customized legal strategy for your case
- Explain your legal options at each phase of your case
- Look for procedural errors that could result in a dismissal or reduction of charges against you
- Negotiate for a favorable plea deal
- Defend your rights zealously in court
Call us today for a confidential case review.
What Is Vehicular Manslaughter?
Unlike many other states, Kentucky does not have a vehicular manslaughter law. Manslaughter is generally a form of homicide with a decreased penalty due to the lack of the defendant’s intent in causing the death. However, Kentucky has a vehicular homicide law.
Kentucky law defines vehicular homicide as causing the death of another through the operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other substance that impairs their driving ability.
A person could also be charged with murder in Kentucky when they cause the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life and engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death.
Penalties for Vehicular Homicide and Murder
Vehicular homicide is a Class B felony. Based on Kentucky’s sentencing guidelines, a conviction for this offense can result in a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.
Murder is a capital offense, punishable by any of the following:
- Death
- Life without parole
- 25 years to life in prison
- 25 to 50 years in prison
Your lawyer will try to shield you from the harshest penalties.
What Defenses Can I Raise in My Vehicular Homicide Case?
Every criminal case is different. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case to determine the potential defenses that could be raised, such as:
- Not impaired: If you are charged with vehicular homicide under the belief you were impaired, it may be possible to show you were not impaired based on toxicology reports, medical records, and expert testimony.
- Lack of mental state: If you are charged based on your mental state, our experienced attorneys can argue that the state’s definition of your requisite mental state does not apply.
- Accident: It may be possible to show the collision was an ordinary accident, not based on impairment or reckless driving.
- Innocence: In some cases, the accused is not the one who committed the crime. Someone could have misidentified you, or someone you lent your vehicle to could be responsible for the death.
Let our experienced attorneys fight for you and determine the defense strategies best aligned with your case.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington Cost?
Facing serious criminal charges like vehicular homicide or murder can be intimidating. At the same time, you have to worry about the financial consequences of defending yourself. At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we focus on providing high-quality legal representation to protect our clients from the harshest consequences of a criminal conviction.
Every lawyer charges a different rate, but it’s important that you carefully consider the skill and experience a particular criminal defense lawyer provides when comparing rates. We can discuss our rates and ways to afford our legal services during your confidential consultation.
Contact a Skilled Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we are here for you when you need us most in Lexington, KY. We can mount an aggressive defense for your case and safeguard your rights during this pivotal time. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Lexington vehicular manslaughter lawyer.