Archive for October, 2010

If you’ve been arrested on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, it’s essential to talk to an attorney about your case before talking to investigators. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case contact Charles Rowland at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384).  Charles Rowland, “All I Do is DUI defense.“

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Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, O.R.C. 2903.06,  is a crime that results from the death of another caused by the defendant’s operating a vehicle while impaired (a violation of R.C. 4511.19)  or while driving negligently or recklessly.  The statute  encompasses driving an automobile recklessly or negligently (called Vehicular homicide) whether or not alcohol played a part in the death.  Often, defendants are indicted for multiple counts, with additional counts for each victim of the accident.

Under the reckless section of the statute you will be found guilty of a third degree felony which rises to a second degree felony if the driver is under suspension at the time of the offense.  Aggravated vehicular homicide when impaired as defined in R.C. 4511.19 is a second degree felony which rises to a first degree felony if the driver was under suspension at the time of the offense. Penalties include mandatory prison terms with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for the 1st degree felony and prison up to 8 years and a fine up to $15,000 for the 2nd degree felony.

If drunk driving (now called OVI; operating a vehicle while impaired)  has been charged as the proximate cause of the death, the penalties become mandatory and very difficult to get reduced or lowered.  Often, these cases are high-profile cases engendering much prejudice toward the defendant.  This  is the time to hire someone who has been successful in trying aggravated vehicular homicide cases.  Call Charles Rowland at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384).