{"id":375718,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-vehicular-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-02T12:20:06","modified_gmt":"2018-03-02T17:20:06","slug":"ohio-vehicular-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-vehicular-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Vehicular Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Vehicular Manslaughter Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In Ohio, the term "vehicular homicide" is often used to generally describe an offense in which someone causes the death of another person with a motor vehicle. Ohio law actually has three separate offenses:<\/p>\n

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  1. Vehicular Manslaughter<\/li>\n
  2. Vehicular Homicide<\/li>\n
  3. Aggravated Vehicular Homicide<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Unlike a murder charge<\/a>, a vehicular homicide charge means that a person had no intention of killing another, but due to their actions while operating a vehicle, caused the death of a human being.<\/p>\n

    Even if a person is charged with a vehicular homicide crime in criminal court and is acquitted, the deceased\u2019s family may file a wrongful death claim<\/a> in civil court.<\/p>\n

    The following table highlights the main provisions of Ohio’s vehicular homicide laws. See also Involuntary Manslaughter Definitions<\/a>, Involuntary Manslaughter Penalties and Sentences<\/a>, and Voluntary Manslaughter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
    Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\n

    Vehicular Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide and Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: Ohio Revised Statute 2903.04<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

    A.K.A.<\/b><\/td>\n

    "Vehicular Homicide"<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

    What is Prohibited?<\/b><\/td>\n

    Vehicular Manslaughter<\/b>: Causing the death of another person or their unborn child while operating a motor vehicle as the result of a misdemeanor traffic violation.<\/p>\n

    Vehicular Homicide<\/b>: While operating a vehicle, you caused the death of another person in one of the following ways: (1) negligently; or (2) as the proximate result of committing a speeding offense in a construction zone.<\/p>\n

    Aggravated Vehicular Homicide<\/b>: You caused the death of another person in one of the following ways: (1) as a proximate result of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (2) recklessly; or (3) as the proximate result of committing a reckless operation offense in a construction zone.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

    Penalty<\/b><\/td>\n

    Vehicular Manslaughter<\/b> :<\/p>\n

    Civil Case<\/b><\/td>\nPossible Wrongful Death lawsuit and restitution to the victim’s family.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
    Definition of "Vehicle"<\/b><\/td>\n

    Motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

    Get Legal Help with Your Vehicular Manslaughter Case in Ohio<\/h2>\n

    Conviction of vehicular manslaughter or homicide can result in imprisonment, and negatively impact various aspects of your life. If you find yourself facing a vehicular manslaughter charge in Ohio, it’s in your best interests to contact a local criminal defense attorney<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n

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