Mason City Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

Mason City Vehicular Homicide Attorney

Operating a motor vehicle carries tremendous responsibility. A mistake behind the wheel can lead a person to be criminally charged. Vehicular homicide is one of the most serious charges one can face. It is highly advised that you contact a skilled Mason City vehicular homicide lawyer if you find yourself in this situation.

With over a decade of experience in criminal defense, The Lawyers, PLLC, is equipped to handle vehicular homicide cases in Mason City and surrounding areas. We are ready to stand by your side, advocate for your interests, and fight for your liberty and future as your trusted criminal defense lawyer.

Vehicular Homicide Charges in Iowa Explained

When facing criminal charges, understanding how each state qualifies a crime is the first step in devising a competent legal strategy to guarantee the most optimal resolution to your case.

In Iowa, vehicular homicide is defined under Iowa Code 707.6A as the act of causing the death of someone unintentionally as a result of operating a motor vehicle.

There are three different ways vehicular homicide may be charged:

• As a Class B felony: The death of a person is unintentionally caused by a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• As a Class C felony: The death of a person is unintentionally caused by a driver who is operating a vehicle in a reckless manner.
• As a Class D felony: Death is unintentionally caused to a person while engaging in drag racing.

Operating while under the influence (OWI) as defined by statute §321J.2 is understood as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, any amount of drugs in your system, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Driving in a reckless manner can mean speeding, using a hand-held device to communicate electronically, or driving and evading law enforcement.

A person can also be charged with a Class “D” felony if they cause serious bodily injury to someone while operating a motor vehicle for any of the above reasons.

The Role of a Mason City Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

Someone suspected of vehicular homicide, as outlined under Iowa Code 707.6A, is subject to arrest. They are afforded the right to an attorney, and it is highly recommended that they exercise that right by contacting a qualified Mason City vehicular homicide lawyer or felony lawyer as soon as possible.

Working alongside a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney may allow a person in this position a greater chance to mount a robust defense and obtain the most favorable outcome in court.

The core of a seasoned attorney’s job will involve the following:

• Obtaining all relevant evidence and witnesses to support the defendant’s case.
• Developing a sound defense strategy that can question the legitimacy of the prosecutor’s case.
• Negotiating an optimal plea deal if it is the most appropriate option.
• Keeping a defendant informed and navigating court scheduling.
• Filing necessary motions and documenting potentially appealable issues.

It is wise to work with a Mason City attorney who understands local court procedures and Iowa law and who is skilled at practicing criminal law, particularly defending clients against vehicular homicide or other related charges in Iowa.

Possible Consequences of a Vehicular Homicide Conviction

Being involved in a vehicular homicide can be traumatic on its own. In addition to this, the possibility of legal consequences makes it clear how having a supportive attorney by your side can be critical to your future.

The potential consequences of a vehicular homicide conviction in Iowa depend on the felony class. Iowa Code §902.1 outlines the maximum sentences related to the various felony types.

Class “B” felonies can carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing the unintentional death of someone falls under this category. Moreover, a conviction would lead to a license suspension, with educational and rehabilitation courses potentially required to reinstate the license.

Vehicular homicide resulting from driving in a reckless manner, a Class “C” felony, can lead to a prison sentence of no more than ten years as well as a fine.

For Class “D” felonies, including unintentional death caused by drag racing, serious bodily harm caused by driving in a reckless manner, or OWI, a person may face up to five years of confinement and a fine.

Time in confinement may be longer if a person is found guilty of a second or subsequent offense in any of the above categories, especially in areas with higher crime rates, such as Mason City.

A qualified criminal defense attorney may be able to shed light on the potential sentence in your case. Contact a Mason City vehicular homicide lawyer to better understand your options.

FAQs

What Is Reckless Driving Resulting in Death in Iowa?

Reckless driving resulting in death in Iowa is a crime, and it is charged as a Class “C” felony. Reckless driving can include handling an electronic device, speeding, or evading law enforcement while operating a motor vehicle.

Reckless driving may not apply in cases where a healthcare professional is attending to a medical emergency, or for a public safety officer who is performing their official duties.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for Vehicular Homicide in Iowa?

How long you go to jail for vehicular homicide in Iowa depends on the felony class a person is charged with. The maximum confinement period for a first offense of a Class “B” felony is 25 years; for a Class “C” felony, it is 10 years; and for a Class “D” felony, it is 5 years, with factors such as local crime rates in places like Mason City potentially influencing legal proceedings and penalties.

What Is Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated in Iowa?

Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in Iowa refers to Iowa Code 707.6A, section one. It states that operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), as defined by §321J.2, is a Class “B” felony and can lead to a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

OWI is defined as having a BAC of 0.08 or more or having drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol in your system and driving.

What Is the Code for Reckless Driving in Iowa?

The code for reckless driving in Iowa is §321.277. The statute outlines the actions that constitute a violation of the law when performed while operating a motor vehicle. These may include using a hand-held device to communicate electronically, aggressive actions on the road, speeding, or evading a law enforcement officer.

Contact The Lawyers, PLLC to Get Help with Your Vehicular Homicide Case

The legal team at The Lawyers, PLLC, is ready to represent you in a Mason City court from the start. If you or your loved one is facing a vehicular homicide charge, our dedicated team can provide personalized representation and an aggressive defense to obtain the most advantageous outcome possible. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case with us.