Metro Atlanta Driver Shot and Killed This Morning

Atlanta Municipal Court

Atlanta, Ga. - According to reports of a county north of the City of Atlanta, a driver was shot and killed earlier this morning.

Investigators are still attempting to find the driver responsible for shooting the victim in the incident. The man was transported to a local hospital, however, he died from his injuries today.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, and even though this incident occurred outside of the city, I will focus on the offense of vehicular homicide as that it is one of the potential charges faced by the suspect in the story above.

Vehicular Homicide

Georgia law O.C.G.A. §40-6-393 outlines the degrees of homicide by vehicle. 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

Charges for vehicular homicide are typically accompanied by charges for DUI in Atlanta. If you or a loved one has a current case in any of the Metro Atlanta counties, call our offices today.