Traffic Deaths Increase by 14 Percent in the United States

Getting charged with a crime can be terrifying. You could face years in prison, hefty fines, and a loss of your voting rights and driving privileges, not to mention have your way of life upended. Navigating the justice system and trying to understand your rights alone can be overwhelming, especially on top of coming to terms with what could happen if you’re convicted.

If you have been charged with vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter in Nevada, the criminal defense attorneys at De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers can represent you. We can review your case, determine a suitable defense strategy, and work to secure a favorable outcome for you.

Statistics for Traffic-Related Deaths

Death Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 35,766 fatal motor vehicle accidents and 38,824 traffic-related deaths in the United States in 2020. Nevada had 293 of these crashes occur, including 317 deaths. Most of these people who lost their lives were car occupants.

Many of these accidents involved alcohol consumption. A high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was reported in about 58% of fatally injured drivers across the country. However, in Nevada, 91% of drivers who passed away had a reported BAC.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that fatal car accidents went up by 10.5% to 42,915 in 2021. This number is a 16-year record high increase.

Understanding the Charges the State Is Bringing Against You

A Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer from our firm can advocate for you if you have been charged with the following crimes:

Vehicular Homicide

According to NRS 484C.130, a driver must meet at least one of these three criteria to be charged with vehicular homicide:

  • They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
  • They have been convicted of a DUIat least three other times.
  • They caused someone else’s death while they were driving.

NRS 484C.440 affirms that the penalties for this offense include:

  • 25 years or life in prison (those who are convicted may be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in prison).
  • Revocation or suspension of driver’s license

Vehicular Manslaughter

Per NRS 484B.657, vehicular manslaughter is when someone “who, while driving or in actual physical control of any vehicle on a highway or premises to which the public has access, proximately causes the death of another person through an act or omission that constitutes simple negligence.”

If someone causes a fatal accident because they were distracted while driving, failed to yield, or ran a red, they may be charged with vehicular homicide. Being a misdemeanor charge, the penalties for this offense are:

  • Up to six months in jail
  • Fines up to $1000
  • License suspension for one year

If the crash occurred in a work or school zone, the penalties could be more severe.

Jail Time and Fines Aren’t the Only Penalties You’ll Face with a Conviction

Should you receive a conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter, going to prison and paying steep fines aren’t the only penalties you’ll have to deal with. It will also affect you personally and professionally in the following ways:

  • You may not be able to vote.
  • Your familial relationships and friendships could be strained.
  • You could lose custody of your child or children.
  • The bank may deny your application for a loan.
  • You may lose your property or have a hard time renting an apartment.
  • Employers may refuse to hire you due to your criminal record.

If you hire an attorney from our firm, we can do our best to help you avoid these negative consequences.

Defenses Our Vehicular Manslaughter and Homicide Lawyers Can Use

We can build a defense strategy based on the details of your case. Common ones we employ include:

  • Faulty breathalyzer test results
  • No Miranda rights read
  • Entrapment
  • Lack of reasonable suspicion
  • Unlawful search and seizure
  • Mistaken identify
  • False identity
  • Lack of probable cause

Your lawyer may be able to use a combination of these strategies.

How Our Nevada Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You

You may not know your next steps after getting charged with vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter. However, the lawyers at De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers have represented clients who have been in similar situations to you. Our attorneys can take over your case while you try to get back to some type of normalcy.

On your behalf, we can:

  • Work to get your charges reduced or dropped
  • Examine the prosecution’s evidence and point out inconsistencies in their version of what happened
  • Attempt to get your bail reduced or have you released
  • Build a defense strategy that is unique to the circumstances of your case
  • Cross-examine witnesses
  • Negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution
  • Gather evidence that supports your side of the case
  • Represent you throughout all legal proceedings

Your attorney can answer any questions you have about how the legal process works or your case in general.

What Our Previous Clients Have Thought About Partnering with Us

We put our clients’ needs and goals above everything. Take a look at a couple of their testimonials:

For having counts for a felony, David was able to reduce everything to a misdemeanor that would also not affect my immigration status, notwithstanding my previous conviction today… I don’t usually leave reviews, but I really owe this one to this law group!!!! If there are only 100,000,000 stars in here, I will rate them without any doubt for saving me….” -Fatima

“Great experience. I have had two cases with them and they are very quick to respond with any questions. They notify me about everything that is going on with my case. They made it super easy and took a load off my back. I will be using them for all my future legal needs.” -Andrea G.

We cannot guarantee a specific outcome for you. However, like with these clients, you can trust us to go after a favorable outcome.

Get Help from De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers

If you have been accused and charged with vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter in Nevada, our criminal defense attorneys can advocate for you during all legal proceedings.

Call De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.