South Florida criminal defense attorney Scott Saul assists individuals who are charged with serious crimes in Florida, including vehicular homicide.  If you are facing charges for this crime, it is important that you understand the nature of the charges against you and the potential consequences you are facing.  An experienced South Florida criminal defense attorney can explain this information to you during a confidential consultation.

Definition of Vehicular Homicide

Under Florida law, vehicular homicide is defined as the unlawful killing of another person or fetus caused by recklessly driving a vehicle.  Reckless driving is further defined as driving in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property.  Determining whether a person was driving in a reckless manner is often very fact-specific and determined by a judge or jury.  Potential forms of reckless driving include driving under the influence, street racing or speeding.

Potential Penalties

Vehicular homicide is considered a felony in Florida.  It can be charged as either a first degree or second degree felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense.  If charged as a second degree felony, a defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a fine up to $10,000.  The crime can be charged in the first degree if the defendant knew that or should have known that the accident occurred and did not give information to law enforcement or did not render assistance to the injured victim.  If you are facing a first degree charge of vehicular homicide, you could be facing up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.   

Intent Not Required

It is not necessary for the prosecutor to prove that the defendant had the intent to kill in order to secure a conviction for this offense.