Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney
In Pennsylvania, it often seems that you can no longer have an "accident." If you are in an accident and someone is killed, criminal charges will often be filed. It is an unfortunate reality that makes the hiring of an experienced attorney necessary.
At Loughran, Mlakar & Bilik, we can help you understand how the law applies to your case. Then our lawyers will work with you to build the strongest defense possible. Our lawyers have decades of experience handling criminal defense matters throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Westmoreland County, and Allegheny County.
Contact us to set up a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.
About Homicide by Vehicle Charges
Under Pennsylvania law, vehicular homicide is technically known as "Homicide by Vehicle." All Homicide by Vehicle charges imply that you violated some part of the PA Motor Vehicle Code to cause the accident.
These charges hinge on whether or not they also involve DUI / DAI charges. If you are convicted of Homicide by Vehicle while DUI, a mandatory sentence of 3-6 years in state prison applies.
If the case is not DAI / DUI-related, there is no mandatory sentence, and sentences range from probation to state prison. In this type of case, you can be convicted of Homicide by Vehicle for simply running a red light, speeding, or another traffic violation that is a substantial factor in causing the death of another person.
Defense Strategy
Regardless of whether drunk driving was involved in the accident, you can argue that the vehicle code or DUI was not a substantial factor in the accident. Even in cases involving DUI, the Commonwealth must prove that the DUI was a substantial factor in causing the death of another person. If your lawyer can demonstrate that the vehicle violation or DAI was not a substantial factor in the accident, you can be found not guilty of Homicide by Vehicle while DUI.
Contact Us
Don't waste any time; contact the attorneys of Loughran, Mlakar & Bilik to set up a free, confidential consultation about any vehicular homicide matter.
