Consequences in Maryland for vehicular manslaughter can be imprisonment and/or a hefty fine. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the Maryland court verdicts have ranged from monetary fines to extended time in prison.
Recently in Maryland a driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter in an accident that killed her friend, the passenger. She was sentenced to one to three years in state prison for causing the accident. These laws in Maryland may be toughened because of recent court rulings against reckless driving in the state. Regardless, one thing is for sure: driving under the influence and committing vehicular manslaughter can land one in prison.
Under Maryland DUI statutes, driving under the influence of alcohol can also be classified as reckless driving and, if another is killed, vehicular manslaughter. One is considered to be under the influence of alcohol in the state of Maryland when one's blood/breath alcohol level is at or over .08. All citizens of Maryland must agree to submit to a chemical, blood, breath or urine test because of the implied consent law. If one fails to comply with the implied consent law, the consequence is suspension of one's driving license as well as sentencing enhancements. Under Maryland's zero tolerance policy, it is against the law for any driver under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in his or her system.
Vehicular manslaughter is a tragic, serious crime. With recent court rulings in Maryland, consequences and penalties for driving under the influence, driving recklessly and committing vehicular manslaughter have toughened. The best way to avoid this situation is to drive with caution and under control—and never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
Maryland Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Lawyers
If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter in Maryland, or face the possibility of such a crime, contact the Maryland vehicular manslaughter defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC. Retaining legal counsel that is tried and true in the Maryland courts is essential to your defense. Contact us at 866-952-1500 for a free evaluation of your case.
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