What You Need to Know about Vehicular Manslaughter and How an Experienced San Diego Defense Attorney Can Help You – California Penal Code 191.5

It was recently reported that a San Diego man will stand trial for gross vehicular manslaughter for the death of his passenger in a June 2009 car crash. Charles Eugene Lemay, of Oceanside, was allegedly driving his truck on Highway 78 with Shannon Maureen Mahoney in the passenger seat. She was allegedly not wearing a seatbelt. Lemay allegedly went off the road, flipping the vehicle multiple times. Lemay allegedly sustained moderate injuries while Mahoney died. Police who arrived at the scene stated that Lemay was “acting irrational.” In Lemay’s preliminary hearing over the accident, the judge found that there was sufficient evidence for Lemay to stand trial for gross vehicular manslaughter.

Gross vehicular manslaughter is one of three degrees of manslaughter. It is defined as a crime that results in the death of a person due to an illegal action that took place while driving a vehicle. It can be tried as a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties vary depending upon the circumstances but include state prison time of up to ten years, fines, and probation.

If you or a loved one is facing a vehicular manslaughter charge or any similar charge, contact our experienced San Diego criminal defense attorneys at Wallin and Klarich. Our attorneys have been helping those accused of serious crimes for more than 30 years. Call Wallin & Klarich today at (877) 230-1529 or visit our website at ww.wklaw.com for more information. We will be there when you call.