Vehicular Homicide Attorneys in Orlando, FL

Detailed Breakdown of Penalties by Severity

The penalties for Vehicular Homicide can be further detailed according to the severity of the offense:

• Vehicular Homicide:
  • Severity Level: 7
  • Accumulated Points: 176 (56 from severity level + 120 for the victim’s death)
  • Minimum Sentence: 111 months (approximately 9.25 years)
  • Maximum Sentence: 15 years
• Vehicular Homicide (with failure to provide information and aid)
  • Severity Level: 8
  • Accumulated Points: 194
  • Minimum Sentence: 124.5 months (approximately 10 years and 4 months)
  • Maximum Sentence: 30 years

Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code uses a point-based system, where specific offenses are assigned a certain number of points. Vehicular Homicide carries a base severity level of 7, which translates to 56 points. Given the gravity of causing someone’s death, an additional 120 points are added, bringing the total points for the offense to 176. These points play a direct role in determining the minimum allowable sentence.

The Importance of Minimum Sentence

It’s essential to note that, given the calculated points and absent any other extenuating factors, the court mandates a minimum sentence of 111 months or 9.25 years. The judge’s hands are effectively tied to this minimum, and any lesser sentence can only be pronounced if specific, exceptional conditions allow for a “downward departure” from the predetermined sentence.

Additional Penalties

Beyond imprisonment and financial penalties, the court can also mandate the guilty party to engage in community service. A unique feature of this penalty is its nature; those found guilty may be required to serve 120 hours in institutions like hospitals or trauma centers. These are places where the aftermath of vehicular accidents is most palpable, aiming to make the convict more acutely aware of the consequences of their actions.

In essence, Florida’s penalties for Vehicular Homicide reflect a blend of punitive measures and rehabilitative efforts, intending not just to punish the offender but also to make them recognize the profound impact of their actions.

How to Fight a Charge of Vehicular Homicide in Florida

Being charged with vehicular homicide in Florida can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, understanding the potential defense strategies can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. Below, we delve deeper into these strategies, offering a more comprehensive understanding of each:

1. Exclusion of Improperly Obtained Evidence: The U.S. Constitution ensures specific rights for individuals. If evidence was procured in violation of these rights, such as conducting a search without a valid warrant or coercing a confession, a defense attorney could move to have this evidence excluded from the trial.
2. Challenge the Evidence’s Validity: It’s crucial to meticulously analyze the evidence presented by the State. If it’s found that there is no substantial evidence backing the charge, this can be a strong foundation for your defense.
3. Presenting an Alibi: If you can prove that you were elsewhere when the alleged incident occurred, this can negate the charges. Alibi witnesses or concrete evidence, such as surveillance footage or transaction records, can be invaluable.
4. Contesting DUI Test Results: If you were subjected to DUI tests, their accuracy and the procedures followed during administration can be challenged. Factors like machine calibration, officer training, or even your medical conditions can affect the test results.
5. Medical Conditions as a Defense: If reckless driving occurred due to a sudden medical emergency, such as a seizure or heart attack, it might be argued that the behavior was uncontrollable and not a result of negligence.
6. Questioning the Degree of Negligence: The State must prove not just negligence, but gross negligence or recklessness. If it can be shown that your actions were not grossly negligent or entirely devoid of care, this can weaken the prosecution’s case.
7. Involuntary Intoxication Defense: In rare circumstances, if you were unknowingly drugged or consumed a substance without being aware of its intoxicating effects, you can argue involuntary intoxication as a defense.
8. Challenging the Cause of Death: Even if reckless driving is proven, the direct causation between your actions and the victim’s death must be established. If there were other factors involved, like another vehicle’s intervention or a pre-existing medical condition in the victim, it could be argued that your actions weren’t the direct cause of death.
9. Arguing Insufficiency of Evidence: The prosecution must meet a high burden of proof. If they cannot provide enough evidence to satisfy this burden, arguing that the evidence is insufficient can be a robust defense strategy.
10. Claiming Mistaken Identity: In instances where the prosecution’s case relies heavily on eyewitness testimonies, it’s possible these witnesses could be mistaken. If there’s a chance that another person was the actual culprit, proving mistaken identity can be pivotal.

Vehicular homicide charges in Florida are grave, but with a well-crafted defense strategy, there’s potential to challenge the State’s case. It’s imperative to work closely with a competent defense attorney who understands these intricacies and can tailor the best strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.

FAQs

1. What role do witness testimonies play in vehicular homicide cases in Florida?

Witness testimonies can play a pivotal role in both supporting and refuting the allegations. Eyewitness accounts of the incident, the accused’s behavior, or the accident’s aftermath can significantly impact the case’s outcome. However, it’s essential to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of these testimonies.

2. How do vehicular homicide laws in Florida compare to neighboring states?

Florida’s vehicular homicide laws are rigorous, and while there are similarities with neighboring states, each state has its nuances regarding definitions, penalties, and the legal process. It’s essential to consult with a local attorney when dealing with cross-border incidents.

3. Can vehicular homicide charges be expunged from one’s record in Florida?

Expunging a criminal record in Florida is complex and contingent on several factors, including the nature of the crime, the outcome of the case, and the individual’s prior criminal history. Vehicular homicide, given its gravity, can be challenging to expunge, but certain circumstances might allow for it.

4. How do plea deals work in the context of vehicular homicide cases in Florida?

Plea deals or plea agreements involve the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence or the dismissal of other charges. In vehicular homicide cases, plea deals depend on the evidence’s strength, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and prosecutorial discretion.

5. How do insurance companies typically respond to vehicular homicide charges in Florida?

Facing vehicular homicide charges can lead to significant implications for the accused’s insurance. Insurers might increase premiums substantially or even drop coverage. Additionally, they may be reluctant to cover the damages from the incident if it’s determined that the driver acted recklessly.

6. How do restitution and compensations work in Florida vehicular homicide cases?

Restitution involves the convicted person compensating the victim’s family for financial losses incurred due to the incident. This can include funeral costs, medical bills, or lost wages. This is separate from any civil lawsuit damages and is typically determined during the criminal sentencing process.

7. If a vehicular homicide incident involves multiple victims, how does it impact the charges and penalties?

Multiple victims can lead to multiple counts of vehicular homicide, each carrying its penalties. The overall severity and the potential prison term can increase substantially when more than one person is fatally injured due to the defendant’s actions.

8. How does the presence of drugs or alcohol, even if below legal limits, affect a vehicular homicide case in Florida?

Even if drugs or alcohol levels are below legal limits, their presence can still influence the perception of recklessness or impairment. This could bolster the prosecution’s case, especially if it can be shown that the substances contributed to the alleged reckless behavior.