Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.
Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.
In Ohio, vehicular manslaughter is addressed under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.06. This offense is typically considered a misdemeanor of the second degree but can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances, such as when the driver is operating the vehicle under suspension or when the offense occurs in a construction zone. The law defines vehicular manslaughter as causing the death of another person or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy as a result of committing a misdemeanor traffic offense, such as speeding or running a red light. If the traffic violation is a regulatory offense, the charge is vehicular homicide, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If alcohol or drugs are involved, the offense may escalate to aggravated vehicular homicide, which can be a felony of varying degrees depending on specific factors, including prior offenses and the level of impairment. Penalties for vehicular manslaughter can include jail time, fines, license suspension, and other consequences. It is important for individuals facing such charges to consult with an attorney to understand the specific implications of the charges they are facing.
