Indianapolis Vehicle-Related Homicide Lawyer

Have you been accused of vehicle-related homicide in Indianapolis, Indiana? Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (317) 759 2599 for a free consultation. Our Indianapolis vehicle-related homicide lawyers have more than a century of combined experience handling criminal cases and can help you fight the charges against you.

Vehicle-related homicide is a serious charge that can put your freedom and future at risk. Getting legal help early can give you time to learn what you are facing and begin preparing a defense.

Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to Help if I’ve Been Accused of Vehicle-Related Homicide in Indianapolis?

A vehicle-related homicide charge can lead to serious penalties if you are convicted in Indianapolis, IN. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can look closely at what happened, the evidence against you, and the circumstances that led to the charge.

Clients choose our firm because we offer:

  • More than 100 years of combined legal experience
  • Former police officers and prosecutors on our legal team
  • Recognition from Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers
  • Attorneys who have earned 10.0 ratings from Avvo
  • Experience handling serious criminal charges in Indiana

A vehicle-related homicide charge can carry life-changing consequences. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney.

A fatal vehicle accident can lead to different criminal charges in Indiana. The charge depends on the circumstances, including how the crash happened, whether the driver was allegedly intoxicated, and what the driver did after the accident.

OWI Causing Death

A driver may face felony charges if they cause another person’s death while operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Indiana law also addresses deaths caused by drivers who have certain prohibited amounts of alcohol or controlled substances in their blood.

The level of the felony depends on the circumstances specified by Indiana law, which can include the driver’s age and prior OWI convictions.

Reckless Homicide

Reckless homicide is not limited to cases involving alcohol or drugs. A person can be charged with reckless homicide if prosecutors allege that they recklessly caused another person’s death.

In a vehicle case, the state must prove more than the fact that a fatal accident occurred. It must prove the conduct required for a reckless homicide conviction.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death

Indiana law requires drivers involved in certain accidents to stop and take specific actions after the crash. A driver who leaves the scene of an accident resulting in death without complying with those requirements may face a felony charge.

Leaving the scene is a separate issue from what caused the accident. As a result, a person may face this charge along with other criminal charges arising from the same crash.

The penalties for a vehicle-related death depend on the charge and the circumstances of the case. Because several Indiana offenses can apply to fatal crashes, there is no single penalty for every vehicle-related homicide case.

For example, reckless homicide is generally a Level 5 felony. OWI causing death can be charged at different felony levels depending on the circumstances. Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death can also result in felony charges.

Depending on the offense and circumstances, potential consequences may include:

  • A prison sentence
  • Thousands of dollars in fines
  • Probation
  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Court costs and other financial consequences
  • A felony record

Prior convictions and other facts surrounding the offense may affect the charge or sentence. When more than one person dies, a defendant may also face separate charges arising from each death.

Being involved in a fatal crash does not automatically make a driver criminally responsible for the death. Prosecutors must prove the elements of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Depending on the facts, possible defenses may involve:

  • Challenging whether the defendant caused the death
  • Disputing allegations that the driver was intoxicated
  • Challenging blood, breath, or other chemical test results
  • Questioning how samples were collected, stored, or tested
  • Challenging an unlawful traffic stop, search, or arrest
  • Showing that another driver or outside factor contributed to the crash
  • Challenging witness testimony or other evidence presented by the prosecution

The defenses available will depend on the charge and the evidence.

Vehicle-related homicide cases may involve crash reports, chemical testing, witness statements, video recordings, medical records, and other evidence. An Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer can review this information and look for problems with the prosecution’s case.

An attorney can also:

  • Investigate the crash and the events leading up to it
  • Review police reports and accident evidence
  • Examine chemical testing procedures and results
  • Determine whether your constitutional rights were violated
  • Work with appropriate experts when needed
  • Negotiate with prosecutors
  • Represent you at hearings and other court proceedings
  • Prepare your case for trial

Having a lawyer involved early can be especially important in a case involving a fatal crash. 

A fatal crash in Indianapolis, IN, can lead to a serious criminal case with consequences that last for years. If you have been accused of causing someone’s death while driving, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you determine how to respond to the charges.

If you have been accused of causing someone’s death while driving, getting legal guidance early can help you understand the charge, the potential penalties, and your defense options. Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis vehicle-related homicide attorney.