Vehicular Homicide and Felony DWI Offenses Attorney Raleigh North Carolina
Facing charges of vehicular homicide or felony driving while impaired (DWI) in North Carolina is a serious matter with potentially life-changing consequences. These charges not only carry the risk of significant prison time and hefty fines but can also result in a permanent criminal record and a loss of driving privileges. At Ryan Willis Law, we understand the complexities of these cases and are here to protect your rights and future.
Understanding Vehicular Homicide Charges in North Carolina
Vehicular homicide, also referred to as death by vehicle, involves causing the death of another person due to the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle. In North Carolina, vehicular homicide charges can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the incident. These charges may arise from reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or violations of traffic laws.
The state classifies vehicular homicide into different categories, including misdemeanor death by vehicle, felony death by vehicle, and aggravated felony death by vehicle. Misdemeanor death by vehicle typically applies when a person unintentionally causes a fatal accident while committing a traffic violation other than impaired driving. Felony death by vehicle involves unintentionally causing a death while the person was driving while impaired. Aggravated felony death by vehicle occurs when a person unintentionally causes the death of another while committing an impaired driving offense, where the impaired driving is the proximate cause of the death, and the driver has a prior impaired driving conviction within seven years of the offense.
What Constitutes a Felony DWI in North Carolina?
While most DWI offenses in North Carolina are classified as misdemeanors, certain aggravating factors can elevate a DWI to a felony level. The most common felony DWI charge is Habitual DWI, which applies to individuals who have had four prior DWI convictions within a 10-year period. Habitual DWI is punishable by a minimum of 12 months in prison, with no eligibility for a suspended sentence or parole.
Other factors that can lead to felony-level DWI charges include causing serious injury or death while impaired, driving with a revoked license due to a previous DWI, or committing a DWI with a child in the vehicle. These circumstances not only increase the severity of the criminal penalties but can also result in additional charges such as child endangerment or assault with a deadly weapon.
Experienced Representation
At Ryan Willis Law, we understand the gravity of these charges and are committed to providing personalized and aggressive representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We are dedicated to providing a strong defense, and navigating these difficult cases for our clients
