In West Virginia, vehicular homicide is also known as criminally negligent homicide. If the death of a person occurs within one year after being injured by another’s operation of a motor vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the driver could be charged with vehicular homicide.

This charge does not necessarily apply to those who are alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

Although the charge does not arise under the section of West Virginia’s criminal code dealing with murder and manslaughter, this charge is very serious and is actually considered to be a third level of manslaughter, lesser than both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

It requires a capable West Virginia criminal defense lawyer like Todd La Neve who is well versed in vehicular homicide laws and who knows how to investigate the case to help construct the strongest possible defense.

A true, criminally negligent homicide case in West Virginia is a misdemeanor offense. It carries with it a jail sentence of not more than 1 year or a fine of $100- $1,000, or both jail time and a fine.

If the driver is alleged to have been under the influence at the time of the accident, which led to the death of another, felony charges could be filed. Substantial prison time in excess of a year is a real possibility.

When you hire La Neve Law Offices, Criminal Attorney Todd La Neve will prepare the case from day one by talking to witnesses, visiting the scene of the accident, researching legal defenses, and filing motions, all to prepare the best possible defense for your case.

Contact La Neve Law Offices today and get our team on your side.