Van Nuys DUI Attorney
DUI Lawyer Van Nuys
Call Toll Free Click here to be instantly connected Click here to watch informative videos. Fill out our free case evaluation form.
Van Nuys DUI Defense
Arrested for DUI?
DUI Penalties
First DUI Offense
Aggravating Factors
Second DUI Offense
Under 21 DUI
DUI Accidents
DUI with Injury
Vehicular Manslaughter
Felony DUI
Drug DUI
New DUI Laws
DMV Hearings
Ignition Interlock Device
Driver's License Suspension
Breathalyzers & BAC
Field Sobriety Tests
Sobriety Checkpoints
Life After DUI
DUI FAQ
DUI Expungements
Do's & Don'ts When Pulled Over
Unlawful Police Stops
DUI Resources
Why Hire an Attorney?
Why Hire an Attorney?
Why Hire an Attorney?
Why Hire an Attorney?
Visit our blog
Estimate your blood alcohol level

Van Nuys Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney

Types of DUI Homicide Charges

Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated: If someone suffered fatal injuries in an accident and you were found to be driving under the influence, you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. In order for this charge to be successful, it must additionally be proven that you committed another act of negligence that caused the death. Like DUI with injury, this is a "wobbler" offense, meaning it may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. As a misdemeanor, penalties include 5 days to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, license suspension and probation. As a felony, penalties include 16 months to 4 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, license suspension and a strike on your record. A Van Nuys DUI attorney at our firm can help you fight these and any other DUI charges.

Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated: To be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, it must be proven that you were driving under the influence, that you committed another offense (either an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a lawful act that could reasonably result in death) with gross negligence and that the offense caused the death. Penalties include up to 10 years in prison for a first offense and 15 years to life in prison if you have a prior offense, up to $10,000 in fines, license suspension and a strike on your record.

2nd Degree/"Watson" Murder: A "Watson Murder" is one in which you drove under the influence and caused an accident in which someone was killed. It differs from vehicular manslaughter and gross vehicular manslaughter in that there is an implied malice.In order to be charged with a "Watson Murder," you must have at least one prior DUI offense on your record. The implied malice is derived from knowledge about the dangers of drunk driving after completing a court-approved DUI school or from a warning that DUI homicide may be charged as murder. Penalties include 15 years to life in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, license suspension and a strike on your record.  

Contact a Van Nuys Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer at the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin if you have been charged with DUI homicide.
Click to Call