ORANGE - A Riverside man, Armstrong Kitchen, has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for the death of a 2-year-old girl in December car crash
Sales had to stop on the freeway due to an accident in front of him. Kitchen, was behind Sales, was not paying attention and crashed his car to Sales' SUV. Kitchen is charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. If convicted, he could be sentensed to 1 year in prison.
Let us look at some facts why Kitchen was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and not a felony.
Felony vehicular manslaughter requires that there is "gross negligence," which involves more than ordinary carelessness or mistake in judgment, Gross negligence is defined as driving with no caution for the safety of the other person. Gross negligence also happens when a person acts recklessly causing the death or great bodily injury of another person.
Vehicular manslaughter charges are serious charges, but it is not necessary always charged as felony. Vehicular homicide is always charged as a felony offense. If a person is charged with vehicular manslaughter due to gross negligence for DUI or driving under the influence, it is usually charged as vehicular homicide, instead of vehicular manslaughter. Vehicular manslaughter is considered as involuntary manslaughter.
The punishment for the Vehicular manslaughter can be very harsh, depends on the seriousness of the charge. The punishment for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter with driving under the influence or DUI usually carries one year jail time; while felony charges could have more severe charges: such as longer term of prison time, license suspensions, community service, probation.
If you have been charged or arrested for DUI or Vehicular manslaughter, you should seek legal advise from an experienced Orange county Criminal Defense Attorney or Southern California Vehicular manslaughter Attorney immediately.
How an Orange County Criminal Attorney can help you in Vehicular Manslaughter Defense in both Misdemeanor and Felony charges ?
At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange County criminal defense lawyers have proven record of success in California DUI law and we have the resources and knowledge in DUI law to be able to successfully defend our client. Our commitment is to do all we can to prevail your case and protect your right and freedom.
At law offices of Michael L. Guisti, we have successfully handled hundred of clients in DUI and Vehicular manslaughter related cases. We represent clients in Orange County, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Fullerton, Tustin, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego.
If you or your loved one has been charged with Vehicular manslaughter or DUI, please feel free to contact us at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation and speak to a highly skilled California vehicular manslaughter attorney today for further legal advice.
