If charged with a DUI, you could face other issues as well. If you caused an accident, you could get sued for personal injury. Or, you could get sued for damages to another person’s vehicle or property. In the event that injuries happen with the accident, you might also get charged with crimes such as assault with a motor vehicle. If this happens, it will complicate your case. You can learn about the consequences of assault with motor vehicle here. Also learn about how it will complicate your DUI case.
Assault with a Motor Vehicle
Assault with a motor vehicle happens when an accident involving cars occurs. This crime is similar to assault with a dangerous or a deadly weapon. You can face charges for assault with a motor vehicle in a few different situations. The first is if you actually hit someone with your car or another motor vehicle. The other situation is if you threaten to run someone over with your car.
The charge assault with a motor vehicle also goes by the name second degree assault with a motor vehicle. The penalties that you could face if convicted include:
- A prison sentence of one to five years.
- Fine of up to $5,000.
- A year long suspension of your driver’s license.
Consequences
If charged with a DUI and assault with a motor vehicle, the situation could be even more serious. You will face a bigger prison sentence, a larger fine, and a longer license suspension if convicted of both crimes. Another issue that you will face is that you won’t be eligible for a pretrial diversionary program anymore. Most first time DUI offenders have the option of entering this program as an alternative to a DUI conviction. But, there are a few ways in which you can be ineligible for this program. Facing an assault or manslaughter with a motor vehicle charge will make you ineligible.
Assault with a motor vehicle is a serious charge. If you get this charge with a DUI charge, you could face serious consequences. It is in your best interest to protect your rights and defend yourself against the charges. You can do this by hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers should have experience with situations such as your own. At my firm, our lawyers have handled even complex DUI cases involving assault charges. If you face these two charges, you will have a lot on your plate. Contacting our office means giving you a break and handling this situation for you. For more information, give us a call.
Manslaughter with a Motor Vehicle
Manslaughter with a motor vehicle in Connecticut is oftentimes referred to as second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle. The following elements have to be true for a person to be guilty of manslaughter with a motor vehicle.
- You must be operating a motor vehicle.
- You must be under the influence of a drug or alcohol.
- Also, you must cause the death of another person while operating the motor vehicle.
If these three elements can be proven in court, you could be found guilty of second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle.
Even though drugs and alcohol are an element in manslaughter with a motor vehicle, this does not mean that one charge covers DUI and manslaughter. You can still get charged with both of these crimes. In addition to facing DUI penalties, you face the following penalties for second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle:
- A prison sentence of 1-10 years.
- Loss of your driver’s license for one year.
- An ignition interlock device on the person’s car for two years after they get their license back.
- A fine of as much as $10,000.
Protecting Your Rights
Facing second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and a DUI can seem overwhelming. You don’t want to face a conviction for either of these charges. If you have been charged with DUI and manslaughter, try not to panic. Now is the time to begin building your defense. Consider the elements involved in a manslaughter with motor vehicle conviction. If you face a conviction but you did not commit the elements involved in a conviction, you might be able to build a solid defense.
To help you with your defense, consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer can help you with both your DUI and manslaughter charges. They can work with you to make sure that your rights are protected and represented in court. For more information, contact my office.
