Attorney For Vehicular Crime Misdemeanor And Felony Charges

There are several vehicular crimes that fall under either misdemeanor or felony charges. If arrested for a crime that is auto-related, it is important to hire an attorney to represent your case. Failing to do so can result in jail time, heavy fines, and other steep consequences that can cause long-term damage to your reputation as well as personal livelihood. An arrest does not guarantee a conviction, regardless of evidence or circumstances. While there are several categories of vehicular-related crimes, most that end up in court with the possibility of harsh sentencing fall under one of the three following categories.

Theft:
In most states, and dependent on the value of the vehicle, auto theft is considered a felony offense. Punishment can include several years in prison, revocation of driver's license, probation, as well as fines in excess of even the value of the stolen car. There are several possible defenses an attorney can employ to defend a person charged with theft. One of the most common is consent by owner. If it can be proven that the owner of the vehicle at one time gave the defendant permission to use the vehicle, even for a short period, it may be grounds for reducing charges or case dismissal. Illegal traffic stops, misconduct by police (such as neglect to read Miranda Rights), mistaken identity, and no evidence of driving or procuring the vehicle are also plausible defenses that are successfully used.

DUI:
A DUI is another serious crime that can haunt those convicted for several years after the incident. It is common for a conviction to result in a revoked license (for a few months or even many years), criminal record, community service, and alcohol or drug counseling. With a DUI on record, obtaining loans, passing background checks, and securing employment can all become extremely difficult. Inability to drive can also affect personal and professional relationships. A skilled attorney can plea bargain to reduce charges or sentencing, and there are often few time restrictions as to when the plea can be entered, giving the defendant ample opportunities to explore all options. Police error, such as improperly administering a blood alcohol level test, is one of many arguments that can be used in favor of the defendant.

Vehicular Homicide
A death caused by a car accident that is directly attributed to a specific driver who displayed some form of negligence is known as vehicular homicide or manslaughter. The majority of these situations are what could be considered genuine accidents without malicious intent such as failing to stop for a pedestrian, losing control of a vehicle, or visibility difficulties. Those convicted of vehicular homicide receive greatly reduced sentencing when compared with other homicides due to the circumstances of the incident. However, intentional reckless driving and DUIs that resulted in a death often receive the most severe punishments. Regardless of the circumstances, even if purely accidental, it is crucial to hire a highly experienced attorney when dealing with such serious charges. In some states, the charge may even be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.