Being charged with vehicular homicide is overwhelming and frightening. You may feel like your whole future is at risk. Under Florida law, vehicular homicide carries serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and permanent criminal records. If you or a loved one is facing this type of charge, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. At Central Justice, we will help you understand what’s ahead and work with you to build a strong defense aimed at protecting your rights and your future.

What Is Vehicular Homicide Under Florida Law? 

Florida law defines vehicular homicide under Florida Statutes § 782.071 as the killing of a human being or an unborn child through the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner likely to cause death or serious injury. It’s not enough that an accident happened or that someone made a mistake behind the wheel. To charge someone with vehicular homicide, the state must prove that the person drove recklessly, with a conscious disregard for others’ safety.

Reckless driving could involve:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Street racing
  • Weaving dangerously through traffic
  • Ignoring traffic signals or signs

Ordinary negligence, like a momentary distraction, typically isn’t enough to rise to the level of vehicular homicide. Prosecutors have to show that the driver’s behavior went beyond carelessness and created a serious and unjustified risk of harm to others. This difference is critical, and something we can challenge when building your defense.

Penalties for Vehicular Homicide 

Vehicular homicide is usually charged as a second-degree felony in Florida. If convicted, you could face:

  • Up to 15 years in prison
  • Up to 15 years of probation
  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Revocation of your driver’s license

In some cases, the charges are even more serious. If you are accused of knowing you were involved in a crash and leaving the scene without helping or reporting it, prosecutors can charge you with a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony carries:

  • Up to 30 years in prison
  • A $10,000 fine

In addition to prison time and fines, a conviction for vehicular homicide will leave you with a permanent felony record. This can make it harder to find a job, rent a home, or move forward with your life. We understand how much is at stake, and we will do everything possible to fight for your future.

Classifications and Severity of Charges 

Not every vehicular homicide case is the same. Florida law classifies the offense based on the circumstances involved:

  • Second-degree felony: Most vehicular homicide cases fall under this category when there’s no allegation of fleeing the scene.
  • First-degree felony: If prosecutors believe you knew an accident occurred and you failed to stay and help, the charge is elevated.

It’s also possible that other charges could be filed in addition to vehicular homicide. If alcohol or drugs were involved, you might also face DUI manslaughter charges, which carry their own set of serious penalties.

When we take on your case, we’ll look at every angle to make sure the charges fit the actual evidence and push back hard if they don’t.

Defense Strategies We May Use 

Facing a vehicular homicide charge doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. We will work with you to build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s case. Depending on the facts, possible strategies may include:

  • Arguing that your driving did not meet the legal definition of “reckless”
  • Showing that another factor, like a mechanical failure or another driver’s actions, caused the accident
  • Questioning whether the prosecution can prove who was driving
  • Identifying weaknesses in the accident reconstruction or witness testimony

Every case is different, and the defense must be tailored to the specific facts and evidence. The sooner you involve a defense team, the more options you may have to preserve evidence, question witnesses, and build your case. We will stand with you at every step, making sure your voice is heard.

Contact Our Experienced Orlando Vehicular Homicide Attorneys

A vehicular homicide charge is life-changing, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Central Justice, we are ready to listen, advise, and defend you. If you or someone you love has been charged, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you take the next step forward.