Vehicular Manslaughter Attorneys in Phoenix
How the Law Defines Vehicular Manslaughter in Arizona
In Arizona, there is no differentiation between manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter. Both charges fall under the same statutes and hold the same consequences. As such, it is important to obtain legal representation if a death occurred during a vehicular accident in which you were involved.Under Arizona Revised State § 13-1103, a person is guilty if they:
- Recklessly cause the death of another;
- Commit second degree murder in a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion;
- Knowingly assist in another person’s suicide;
- Knowingly or recklessly cause the death of an unborn child by physically injuring the child’s mother.
Because vehicular manslaughter involves death, the consequences are far more serious than a DUI accident causing injury. You can be charged not only with manslaughter but also with the use of a “deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.” Arizona courts also look at intent when it comes to vehicular manslaughter. If a person knowingly gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, their offense can be considered intentional.
Our Phoenix vehicular manslaughter lawyers at MayesTelles have extensive experience and knowledge handling such cases. We take the time to get to know our clients so that we can build a case that weakens the opposition’s claims. And, we have former prosecutors on our team who understand what the other side is thinking. If you have been arrested, contact us today at (602) 428-7104 for a free consultation.
Factors to Consider in Vehicular Manslaughter
There are many causes related to car accidents that cause death. You can be charged with vehicular manslaughter or aggravated assault when killing a person during a car accident.
Possible causes of vehicular manslaughter include:
- DUI – Under A.R.S. Chapter 4 §28-1381, if an individual has a blood alcohol content of over .08% and drives an automobile, they can be charged with not only a DUI but also an aggravated assault if anyone is injured or killed.
- Aggressive Driving – Someone can be charged with aggressive driving if they fail to obey traffic laws, drive at an unreasonable speed, or commit unsafe maneuvers that endanger those on the road.
- Excessive Speed – Under A.R.S. §28-701.02, a person can be charged with manslaughter if they drive at an excessively higher speed than the one posted.
Penalties of Vehicular Manslaughter
Manslaughter is considered a Class 2 “Dangerous” felony in Arizona. There are harsher penalties associated with this charge. The minimum sentence, if convicted, is seven years. The maximum sentence is 21 years. Some attorneys can fight for a plea bargain, which usually entails seven to 12 years of prison time.
Don’t Wait to Contact MayesTelles PLLC
Vehicular manslaughter charges are extremely serious. Not only will you serve an extended time in prison if you are convicted, but it is a charge that will follow you for the rest of your life. Let MayesTelles PLLC fight to protect your future. Call our vehicular manslaughter lawyers in Phoenix 24/7 to learn more.
Call (602) 428-7104 for a free consultation.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
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Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
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4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
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Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
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Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
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Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
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Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
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Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
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Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
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Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
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Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
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Available to Our Clients 24/7
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
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AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys