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Nashville Vehicular Homicide Lawyer
Vehicular homicide is among the most serious charges that can follow a fatal car accident in Tennessee. A driver may face this charge when a death is allegedly caused by impaired driving, reckless conduct, or other driving behavior covered by state law. The specific allegations and evidence determine how the case is prosecuted and what penalties may apply.
If you are facing allegations of vehicular homicide, our Nashville legal team is available to discuss your situation. Call Killen Law at (615) 549-8117 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
What Is Vehicular Homicide?
Vehicular homicide is a criminal offense under Tennessee law involving the reckless killing of another person through the operation of a motor vehicle. The charge may arise from intoxicated driving, conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, drag racing, or certain driving conduct in a posted construction zone that results in a qualifying worker’s death.
Following a fatal accident, investigators may examine whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. A blood test or breath test may be used to measure alcohol concentration or identify drugs in the body A driver may also face a separate DUI charge in Tennessee arising from the same incident.
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide in Tennessee
Some intoxication-related vehicular homicide cases may qualify as aggravated vehicular homicide, a more serious offense under Tennessee law. The charge applies when the underlying offense involves intoxication and at least one of the following statutory conditions is met:
- The defendant has two or more prior convictions for DUI, boating under the influence, vehicular assault, or a combination of those offenses.
- The defendant has at least one prior conviction for vehicular homicide.
- The defendant had a blood alcohol concentration of .15% or higher when the offense occurred and has a prior conviction for DUI, boating under the influence, or vehicular assault.
Qualifying convictions from other states may also count under Tennessee law. The prosecution must provide notice of the prior convictions relied upon and establish the required conditions for the aggravated charge.
Aggravated vehicular homicide is a Class A felony. Whether the charge applies depends on the allegations, qualifying conviction history, and evidence relevant to the statutory requirements.
Challenging a Vehicular Homicide Charge
In a vehicular homicide case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant committed the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence must support the allegations about the driver’s conduct and its role in causing the death.
Depending on the case, the defense may examine how the collision occurred, whether impairment or reckless driving can be established, and whether the available evidence supports the prosecution’s account. Blood alcohol results, toxicology reports, accident reconstruction, and witness statements may also be relevant to evaluating the state’s case.
Discuss Your Vehicular Homicide Case With Us Now
Being involved in a fatal accident does not, by itself, establish that a driver committed vehicular homicide. The prosecution must prove the elements of the charged offense, and its claims should be examined carefully. Killen Law evaluates the prosecution’s case, looks for legal and factual weaknesses, and develops a defense tailored to the charges. The goal is to challenge the allegations and protect your rights throughout the criminal process.
Reach out to Killen Law for guidance on your vehicular homicide case and to discuss potential defense strategies with our Nashville legal team.