Involuntary Manslaughter

Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and state highway patrolmen have the option of charging an Ohio driver with involuntary manslaughter when the driver causes the death of another when committing certain traffic violations or while attempting to commit a felony. In Ohio, involuntary manslaughter is a very serious crime. If you have an Ohio DUI case or involuntary manslaughter charge, you should consider talking to a top Ohio DUI lawyer to see if he can get the case dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. The penalties on these pages only apply to drivers who are convicted of DUI/OVI or a traffic-related criminal offense. An experienced Ohio DUI lawyer may be able to prevent that from happening.

An involuntary manslaughter in Ohio conviction brings the following potential penalties:

• A prison sentence of up to 11 years
• $20,000 in fines
• Probation
• Lifetime Ohio driver’s license suspension
• A permanent criminal record
• Loss of job
• Liability in a civil lawsuit

Specific Types of Ohio Involuntary Manslaughter Convictions

Depending on a number of factors, involuntary manslaughter in Ohio is sometimes charged as a felony of the first degree and sometimes it’s charged as a felony of the third degree. The ways in which involuntary manslaughter can be charged in Ohio, along with the corresponding penalties, are as follows:

Ohio Involuntary Manslaughter as a Felony of the Third Degree

Involuntary manslaughter is a third degree felony when a driver is convicted of causing the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a misdemeanor of any degree, such as DUI, OVI or drinking and driving, other than a minor misdemeanor traffic violation. Upon conviction, the driver faces a serious criminal sentencing including a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine up to $10,000. If the underlying misdemeanor is an Ohio DUI, OVI or drinking and driving offense, the prison sentence is mandatory and the driver also faces a potential lifetime Ohio license suspension.

Ohio Involuntary Manslaughter as a Felony of the First Degree

Involuntary manslaughter is a felony of the first degree when a driver is convicted of causing the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a felony, including an Ohio felony DUI, OVI or drinking and driving offense. Upon conviction, the offense is a first degree felony, punishable by up to 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. If the underlying felony is an Ohio DUI, OVI or drinking and driving charge, the prison sentence is mandatory and the driver also faces a potential lifetime Ohio license suspension.

Common Mistakes in Ohio DUI/OVI Investigations

No Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving arrest is perfect and the best Ohio DUI/OVI lawyers knows this. Most Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a number of witnesses, including police officers and the personnel who collect, store and test chemical samples.  These witnesses are human and they make mistakes. Further, most Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a breath testing device or other testing equipment that is not always maintained according to current Ohio DUI/OVI regulations.

Do You Want Award-Winning Ohio DUI/OVI Representation?

There are over 1 million laws in the United States. I am a top Ohio DUI/OVI defense lawyer who devotes his entire practice to ONE. Because of my experience and concentrated focus, I know the Ohio DUI/OVI laws better than most attorneys in the state. I am passionate about Ohio DUI/OVI defense and I get results, however, I only accept a limited number of clients. If you’re serious about your case and want a top Ohio DUI/OVI lawyer on your team, call me, the Ohio DUI Dude at 1-844-DUI-DUDE.