Reckless Homicide Lawyers In Columbia, SC
If you were in an accident that caused another person’s death, you may be charged with reckless homicide. Also known as reckless vehicular homicide, this charge comes with significant penalties, license revocation, and even incarceration.
The state has the burden of demonstrating that your driving is the direct cause of the victim’s death. While it is true that you are innocent until proven guilty, you should not sit back while the prosecution prepares its case.
If you have been charged with reckless homicide in Columbia, South Carolina, you need aggressive representation on your side. You need the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey.
Reckless Homicide Defined
Under South Carolina Code §56-5-2910, an individual may be charged with reckless homicide if the person drove a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others and, in doing so, caused another person’s death. To be found guilty of reckless homicide, the victim must have died within three years of the accident.
Examples of Reckless Homicide
Reckless homicide can take many forms, such as:
- Tailgating
- Excessive speeding (At least 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit)
- Evading the police
- Drag racing
- Speeding through a construction zone
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Weaving in and out of traffic
Penalties for Reckless Homicide
Reckless homicide is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, or both. The Department of Motor Vehicles may revoke your license for up to five years. With points against your license, your auto insurance rates will likely skyrocket.
The good news is you may not need to wait five years before you can drive again. After one year, you can petition the court to reinstate your license. After reviewing your petition, the county solicitor may schedule a hearing regarding the reinstatement of the license. The solicitor will also notify the representative of the victim of your desire to reinstate your license.
Your license may be reinstated if the following conditions are satisfied:
- Alcohol, drugs, or narcotics were not involved in the reckless vehicular homicide
- You served the full prison sentence, paid any fines, assessments, or restitution
- Your driving record, attitude, character, and driving ability all support license reinstatement
The Benefit of Hiring a Columbia Reckless Homicide Attorney
A reckless homicide charge can be difficult to fight if you are not familiar with South Carolina laws and how the legal system operates. If you are facing reckless homicide charges, you may be anxious and confused about what comes next.
At the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey, I will gather all relevant evidence to determine what happened in the accident. While you may have exhibited reckless behavior, if you were dealing with an event like a medical emergency, I may be able to get the charges against you reduced.
Put Your Trust in Me
A reckless homicide will stay on your driving record long after you have served your prison sentence. If you are up against charges of reckless homicide, do not try to represent yourself. Although you may think you are saving money, you are more likely to be convicted without effective counsel.
When you hire me, you are placing your trust in capable hands. Do not hesitate to contact my office today online or by calling 803-779-3363 to schedule your free case evaluation.