Vehicular homicide is a serious crime, and anyone convicted of it is facing time behind bars and steep fines. Facing vehicular homicide charges can be terrifying, and it’s not something you should have to deal with alone. In situations like these, most people turn to a Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer for help.
3 Shocking Facts about Vehicular Homicide in the State of Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s laws are very clear about what defines vehicular homicide, but there are a few things you may not know.
In fact, there are a few things that might shock you about our vehicular homicide laws.
1. Vehicular homicide charges (and convictions) can apply to unborn children. The law says that any person who “causes the death of an unborn child by the operation or handling of a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant” can be charged with homicide.
2. You can be charged with vehicular homicide while you’re in the hospital recovering from your own injuries. Recently, a Minnesota man was charged in Wisconsin while recovering in his home state; he’ll face extradition when he’s released from the hospital.
3. You can be charged with vehicular homicide if you caused the death of a passenger in your own car. The law says you can be convicted if you operated a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and that your operation of the vehicle caused the victim’s death.
What You Need to Know
If you have operated a vehicle while you’re intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, the law is not on your side. If you’re convicted of driving under the influence and causing someone else’s death, you’re facing a felony.
You should also know, however, that if a jury has a reasonable doubt about whether the victim’s death was your fault, they cannot convict you.
Being charged with vehicular homicide, no matter the circumstances, is very dangerous ground. Most people choose to work with an attorney who can handle serious criminal charges within the Wisconsin legal system because the ramifications of a conviction are so severe.
