Nashville Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

Tennessee Vehicular Homicide Laws

The state of Tennessee defines vehicular homicide (also known as vehicular manslaughter) as the reckless killing of another individual while driving a motor vehicle. The defendant must have acted in a way that created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

Acts that can be defined as reckless include:

• Being Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
• Illegal Street Racing
• Taking Unjustifiable Opertaing Risks
• Eluding Police
• Willfully Ignoring Traffic Laws

If you have been charged with vehicular homicide, call Ridings Law Group, P.C. immediately for help from an experienced vehicular homicide lawyer, former prosecutor, and trained police officer.

Criminal Charges & Penalties for Conviction

In Tennessee, vehicular homicide can be charged as a Class B, Class C, or Class D felony, depending on the circumstances and where the accident occurred. The specific charge, situation, and whether the individual has any prior convictions can influence the sentence. All vehicular homicide convictions involve the possibility of time in prison, large fines, and a driver’s license suspension of three to ten years.

The classifications and possible consequences of a vehicular homicide conviction depend on the unique circumstances and include the following:

• Construction Zone – A Class D felony with 2 to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000
• Intoxication – A Class B felony with 8 to 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
• Aggravated Charges – When the defendant is intoxicated and has prior convictions, charges can be elevated to a Class A felony with penalties that include 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000
• Street Racing – A Class C felony with 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Substantial risk of death or serious injury – A Class C felony with a 3- to 15-year prison sentence and up to $10,000 in fines

Due to the seriousness of a vehicular homicide charge and the potential for severe consequences for a conviction, you should not wait to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case. Nashville vehicular homicide lawyer David Ridings has represented numerous clients facing serious felony charges. He uses his knowledge and experience as a former police officer and prosecutor to anticipate the prosecution’s case and provide skilled legal representation for our clients.

• For further information, view David's dozen do's for when a person gets pulled over.