Driver Accused of DUI and Vehicular Homicide in Newnan

Newnan Municipal Court

Newnan, Ga. – A driver has been arrested for vehicular homicide as well as DUI in Newnan after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a fatal accident.

The driver was allegedly under the influence when he sped into the back of another vehicle. This caused a vehicle fire which resulted in the death of the other driver.

As a Newnan DUI Lawyer, I will focus on both DUI and vehicular homicide.

Vehicular Homicide

Georgia law O.C.G.A. §40-6-393 outlines vehicular homicide in the state of Georgia. A person will be charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree when, without malice aforethought, a death is caused by the person either unlawfully passing a school bus, reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude a police office, or leaving the scene of the accident. Homicide by vehicle in the second degree occurs when death results due to a violation of any other statute other than the ones specified for homicide in the first degree. 

First degree vehicular homicide is regarded as felony-grade vehicular homicide charge occurs when a death is the result of DUI or reckless driving. Convictions of felony-grade vehicular homicide may warrant up to 15 years in prison. 

In addition to penalties decided by a judge, the offender could also face a civil suit brought on by the victim's family. In a civil suit, the judge could award damages such as pain and suffering or loss of company to the victim's family. 

Furthermore, homicide by vehicle convictions can have long-term consequences. A felony conviction can make finding employment difficult as well as precluding the victim from practicing in certain professions such as teaching, the medical field, and other areas. The conviction will appear during background checks and can also affect obtaining housing or credit.

Practice Note

Call our offices now if you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Newnan. We can help you with your case now.