Florida's Vehicular Homicide Laws and Penalties

When reckless driving leads to the death of another person, the driver can face felony vehicular homicide charges.

Defend your rights. We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today.

There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please add a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please add a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Description is required
By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

In Florida, a person can be convicted of vehicular homicide for driving in a "reckless manner" and causing the death of another person or an unborn child (by injury to the mother). Driving in a "reckless manner" is defined as driving in a way that, under the circumstances, was likely to result in a fatality or great bodily harm.

Vehicular Homicide Penalties

The consequences of a Florida vehicular homicide conviction depend on the circumstances. But the possible penalties are:

  • Standard vehicular homicide. In most cases, vehicular homicide is a second-degree felony. Convicted drivers face up to 15 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 in fines.
  • Aggravated offense. Where a vehicular homicide is the result of a hit-and-run accident, the driver can be charged with a first-degree felony. A conviction carries up to 30 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 in fines.

A vehicular homicide conviction will also result in a license revocation of at least three years.

DUI Manslaughter

The consequences for being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are substantially more severe if someone is killed. DUI-related killings are considered "DUI manslaughter," a second-degree felony. Convictions carry up to 15 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 in fines.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney

Vehicular homicide is a serious criminal charge that can result in a long prison sentence. If you've been arrested for vehicular homicide—or any other crime—get in contact with a criminal defense attorney right away. The facts of every case are different. An experienced defense attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case.

DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS
Talk to a Defense attorney
We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please add a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please add a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Description is required
By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you