California DUI Murder Law Firm
A DUI conviction alone carries serious consequences both in and out of the criminal realm. Significant fines and jail sentences could be combined with the loss of a driver's license or increased insurance rates. When the act of drunk driving leads to a fatal accident, the penalties become more significant and life changing.
At the Law Offices of Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman, our lawyers bring experience and insight as former criminal prosecutors in defending clients charged with DUI murder. Few strategies and tactics employed by district attorneys surprise them. They know how cases are built. They understand what is at stake and provide aggressive representation while maintaining high standards of ethics.
Our law firm has won numerous awards, including being named Criminal Defense Firm of the Year by San Jose Magazine.
If you have been charged with violating California DUI laws that resulted in a fatality, prosecutors can charge you with:
- Negligent manslaughter while intoxicated — Penal Code 191.5(b)
- Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated — Penal Code 191.5(a)
- Second-degree DUI murder, also known as Watson murder
Separate from driving under the influence, the level of your negligence determines the charge prosecutors file against you. DUI murder and negligent vehicular manslaughter can be categorized as either a felony or misdemeanor. Gross vehicular manslaughter is an automatic felony.
Repeat DUI offenders who find themselves involved in fatal accidents are often charged with second-degree DUI murder, or Watson murder. Prosecutors consider their acts to be malicious since the operator of the motor vehicle is already aware of the risks of drinking and driving. Convictions can lead to a prison sentence of 15 years to life.
Free Consultation With a San Jose DUI Murder Defense Attorney
When facing DUI murder charges, you need the help of a California criminal defense attorney. Call our law firm at 877-7NO-JAIL or send us an e-mail. We offer payment plans, credit card payments and evening or weekend consultations. Se habla español.
