FAQ –Sentences for Vehicular Homicide in Columbus & Central Ohio

Q: What are the different types of Vehicular Homicide charges in Ohio

A: In Ohio, there are three types of Vehicular Homicide charges. The first is Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. The second is Vehicular Homicide. The third is Vehicular Manslaughter. All three offenses are committed by operating a vehicle and causing the death of another person, but the three offenses are committed in different ways. The three offenses also have different possible sentences.

Q: What are the possible sentences for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide in Ohio

A: In Ohio, the offense of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide is committed when a person causes the death of another person as the proximate result of: (1) Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI); or (2) operating a vehicle recklessly; or (3) committing a reckless operation offense in a construction zone. The sentence for this offense depends on which way the offense is committed and the criminal record of the defendant.

(1) If this offense is committed by OVI, it is a felony of the second degree, and the sentence includes a mandatory prison term which is at least two years and up to eight years. The sentence also includes a mandatory lifetime driver’s license suspension. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense and the length of the prison term. Pursuant to the Reagan Tokes Law, the prison term may be lengthened by up to 50% for misbehavior in prison.

(2) If this offense is committed by operating a vehicle recklessly, it is a felony of the third degree, and the sentence includes a prison term which is at least one year and up to five years. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension for three years to life. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the length of the prison term, and the duration of the driver’s license suspension.

(3) If this offense is committed by a reckless operation offense in a construction zone, it is a felony of the third degree, and the sentence includes a prison term which is at least one year and up to five years. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension for three years to life. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the length of the prison term, and the duration of the driver’s license suspension.

Q: What are the possible sentences for Vehicular Homicide in Ohio

A: In Ohio, the offense of Vehicular Homicide is committed when a person causes the death of another person as the proximate result of: (1) operating a vehicle negligently; or (2) committing a speeding offense in a construction zone. The sentence for this offense depends on which way the offense is committed and the criminal record of the defendant.

This offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and the sentence includes incarceration for up to six months. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension for at least one year and up to five years. If this offense is committed as the proximate result of committing a speeding offense in a construction zone, there is a mandatory minimum jail term of 15 days. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the length of incarceration, and the duration of the driver’s license suspension.

Q: What are the possible sentences for Vehicular Manslaughter in Ohio

A: In Ohio, the offense of Vehicular Manslaughter is committed when a person causes serious physical harm to another person as the proximate result of committing a minor misdemeanor traffic offense. This offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree, and the sentence includes incarceration for up to 90 days. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension which is at least six months and up to three years. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the duration of the potential term of incarceration, and the length of the license suspension.

Lawyers For Vehicular Homicide in Columbus and Central Ohio

The Dominy Law Firm represent clients for Vehicular Homicide in courts throughout central Ohio. Our lawyers wrote and edited the Ohio Vehicular Homicide Guide. They have expertise in this area and experience representing clients for these offenses. If you are charged with Vehicular Homicide in the central Ohio area, you can schedule a free consultation to discuss representation. To schedule a free phone consultation, please call 614-717-1177 or submit a CONTACT FORM.