Blog Layout

Accused of vehicular homicide: What to do next

Houston & Alexander, PLLC • Apr 04, 2018

You were traveling on the highway when it happened. You looked down to take a bite of your burger, and the next thing you knew, you were struggling to get out of your wrecked vehicle. Another vehicle was in the lane next to you, and you struck it when you got distracted.

You didn’t intend for anyone to get hurt, but sadly, the victim in the other vehicle did not survive the trip to the hospital. It was an accident, but that doesn’t mean that the police and family of the victim won’t try to hold you accountable. You’re charged with vehicular homicide, which alleges criminally negligent or reckless behavior.

How does Tennessee regard vehicular homicide?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be accused of vehicular homicide due to drinking and driving or because of the reckless use of your vehicle. If you test positive for certain drugs or test above the legal limit for alcohol, you may face a Class B felony. If you commit a vehicular homicide due to recklessness, you’ll likely face a Class C felony.

What happens if you’re convicted of vehicular homicide?

You should know that a conviction leads to you losing your license for at least three years. It’s possible to lose it for up to 10 years. You may also face fines and additional penalties, such as imprisonment, depending on the facts of your case.

What happens in civil court?

If the family of the victim decides to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, then you may face a civil lawsuit to which you will need to respond. You may think that you won’t be held liable in a civil lawsuit if you  don’t get convicted in criminal court , but that’s not the reality. It takes less evidence to win a case in a civil court than it does in a criminal court, so you could win your criminal case and still lose your civil case.

In a civil case, the family seeks compensation from you and your auto insurance carrier for costing their loved one his or her life. You’ll need a strong defense for both a criminal and civil case if the survivors decide to pursue a claim.

Accidents happen, and not everyone deserves to be treated like a criminal because of one. It’s your right to protect yourself against the difficulties that could follow after a vehicular homicide.

By Jeremy Shankman 23 Jul, 2021
Violating Probation in Chattanooga: What Happens Next? There are very few good reasons for violating probation – and many compelling ones for following the terms of your probation to the letter. Even minor violations can result in severe consequences. In some circumstances, where an honest mistake was made or an emergency arose, [...] The post Violating Probation in Chattanooga appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 04 Jun, 2021
Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life About 4000 people are arrested or charged for a DUI in the U.S every day. Driving under the influence is a common offense, despite the harsh legal consequences. A DUI conviction can lead to a ruthless sentence, which may include indefinite jail time, [...] The post Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 04 Nov, 2020
The post October/November 2020 Newsletter appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 26 Oct, 2020
10 Major Steps in The Federal Criminal Process If you are charged with a serious crime, it is important to know your rights and options. If the crime is a federal offense, it’s equally important to understand how the federal criminal justice system operates. Most who find themselves accused are very unfamiliar [...] The post 10 Steps in The Federal Criminal Process appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 26 May, 2020
A Guide to Drug Trafficking Charges & Penalties in Chattanooga Drug trafficking carries significant legal penalties in Tennessee, especially when the crime resulted in substantial profits. In some cases, drug sales may result in federal rather than state charges, which carry the possibility of longer prison sentences. Penalties for trafficking in Tennessee vary [...] The post Understand Tennessee Penalties for Drug Trafficking appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 08 May, 2020
When our loved ones enter a nursing home, we trust their caregivers will help make their lives comfortable and happy in their later years. However, the National Institute of Health estimates that 10 percent of older people experience some form of abuse. Because the abuse of the elderly in nursing homes comes in many forms, the [...] The post Know the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 19 Mar, 2020
If you are concerned about coming to the office in-person because of the Coronavirus, we offer full consultations via phone, facetime, and skype. Despite what you may have heard, the police departments and the courts have certainly not shut down. Courts have modified their procedures regarding in-court appearances, filings, bond matters, etc. If you [...] The post COVID-19 – Update from Houston & Alexander, PLLC appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 03 Feb, 2020
The occurrence of domestic violence is, unfortunately, a common issue across the United States and in Tennessee. Many victims of domestic violence suffer for a prolonged period because they feel trapped in their situation and are fearful about reporting the incidents to the police. While domestic violence is a serious issue, it is also [...] The post What constitutes domestic violence in Tennessee? appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 06 Dec, 2019
If you have faced criminal charges in the last few years and are currently on probation, you may have more reason than most to celebrate during the holiday season. After all, there may have been a time where you were at risk of losing your freedom. That tends to make people grateful for the life [...] The post The holidays can make it all too easy to violate your probation appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
By Houston & Alexander, PLLC 11 Oct, 2019
Accidents by their very nature are unpredictable occurrences. There may not have been anything an individual involved in an accident could have done to prevent it. An accident could involve something like your tires slipping on wet leaves despite you driving at lower speeds because of road conditions or someone losing their balance while walking [...] The post How does a tragic accident become reckless homicide in Tennessee? appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
More Posts
Share by: