In the state of Maryland, vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime that is investigated thoroughly to determine the cause of the accident and to hold those responsible accountable. In this blog post, we will explore the process of how vehicular manslaughter cases are investigated in Maryland.
What is Vehicular Manslaughter?
Vehicular manslaughter occurs when someone causes the death of another person while operating a vehicle recklessly or negligently. In Maryland, vehicular manslaughter is divided into two categories: vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Vehicular manslaughter is a misdemeanor, whereas vehicular homicide is a felony.
Investigation Process
When a vehicular manslaughter case is reported in Maryland, law enforcement officers and investigators will begin their investigation. The investigation process typically involves the following steps:
- Accident Reconstruction: Investigators will first work to reconstruct the accident scene to determine how the accident occurred. They will use various tools such as GPS tracking, 3D mapping, and accident reconstruction software to create a detailed picture of the accident.
- Physical Evidence Collection: Investigators will collect evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage, to help determine the cause of the accident.
- Witness Interviews: Investigators will interview witnesses who were present at the scene to gather information about what they saw and heard leading up to the accident.
- Toxicology Tests: Investigators may conduct toxicology tests on the driver to determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident.
- Driver History Check: Investigators will check the driver’s history for any prior convictions, license suspensions, or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
- Medical Examiner’s Report: The Medical Examiner’s report provides valuable information about the cause of death of the victim.
- Consultation with the State’s Attorney: Once all the information has been collected, investigators will consult with the State’s Attorney to determine if there is enough evidence to charge the driver with vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide.
Charges and Penalties
If a driver is found guilty of vehicular manslaughter in Maryland, they can face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. However, if the driver is charged with vehicular homicide, they can face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
It’s also important to note that the severity of the charges can increase if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, had a suspended or revoked license, or was driving while distracted or drowsy. In cases where the driver was driving under the influence, they may face additional charges such as DUI or DWI, which carry their own set of penalties.
It’s important for drivers to understand the potential consequences of their actions when they get behind the wheel. Reckless driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence can have serious and life-altering consequences. Not only can it result in criminal charges and penalties, but it can also cause physical and emotional trauma to those involved in the accident and their families.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have been involved in a vehicular accident resulting in a fatality, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately. A skilled criminal defense attorney can work with you to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. It is crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Vehicular manslaughter cases are investigated thoroughly in Maryland to determine the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable. If you or someone you know is facing vehicular manslaughter charges, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. Remember, when you get behind the wheel, you have a responsibility to drive safely and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
As a law firm in Maryland, we at Alpert Schreyer, LLC have extensive experience representing clients in vehicular manslaughter cases. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the impact they can have on an individual’s life. That’s why we are committed to providing our clients with personalized attention and legal strategies tailored to their specific needs.
If you or someone you know is facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Maryland, we can help by providing legal representation and guidance throughout the investigation and trial process. We will work to gather evidence, review police reports, and consult with expert witnesses to build a strong defense on your behalf.
At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, we understand that each case is unique, and we will work closely with you to develop a legal strategy that is tailored to your specific circumstances. We will provide you with legal guidance and help you understand the legal process, as well as advocate for your rights and interests throughout the legal proceedings.
Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys has a track record of success in vehicular manslaughter cases, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of representation possible. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf, explore all potential defenses, and negotiate with the prosecution to seek the best possible outcome for your case.
If you or someone you know is facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Maryland, contact us at Alpert Schreyer, LLC today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.