Motor Vehicle Homicide

Motor vehicle homicide is a crime governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 24G(b). To convict a defendant of this offense, the prosecutor has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (1) operated a motor vehicle (2) on a public way and (3) caused a death EITHER (4) while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or glue OR by operating the motor vehicle recklessly or negligently so as to endanger the lives or safety of the public.

This law was designed to create a middle ground between the misdemeanor of driving to endanger and the felony of manslaughter. It is not a lesser included offense of manslaughter.

It is important to note the difference between motor vehicle homicide and motor vehicle homicide under the influence. Motor vehicle homicide under the influence is a crime under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 section 24G(a). Unlike motor vehicle homicide, which requires proof that the defendant either drove under the influence or drove recklessly or negligently, motor vehicle homicide under the influence requires proof that the defendant both operated under the influence and did so recklessly or negligently.

Punishment

Motor vehicle homicide is punishable by at least 30 days and up to 2 1/2 years in jail or a house of correction or by a fine of at least $300 and up to $3,000, or both the jail time and the fine. The more serious crime of motor vehicle homicide under the influence is punishable by at least 2 ½ years and up to 15 years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000 or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for at least a year and up to 2 ½ years and a fine of up to $5,000.

Motor Vehicle Homicide Defense Lawyers at the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP

At the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP, we have been providing outstanding Motor Vehicle Homicide Defense legal services to clients throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for over 40 years. Our MA Criminal Defense Attorneys have been featured as legal analysts on The Fox News Chanel, MSNBC, The BBC Network and CourtTV. We have the knowledge, experience and courtroom expertise necessary to deliver legal advice of the highest quality.

If you or a loved one is facing Motor Vehicle Homicide Charges in MA, Contact the Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP to schedule a Free & Confidential Initial Consultation with one of our criminal defense lawyers. Our phones are answered twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to being available by phone around the clock, all Emails sent to Altman & Altman receive an immediate response. With offices conveniently located in Boston and Cambridge, our criminal defense lawyers have the ability to speak face to face with clients about their legal matters. Please Contact Us Online or by phone at 617.492.3000.

At Altman & Altman, we pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients. Our Criminal Defense Lawyers carry Smartphones at all times – giving us the ability to communicate with clients via text message, email and/or phone around the clock. Please Contact Us to schedule your Free-of-Charge Initial Consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.