Ohio Vehicular Manslaughter Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 02, 2018
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:
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Vehicular Homicide
- Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
Unlike a murder charge, 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.
Even if a person is charged with a vehicular homicide crime in criminal court and is acquitted, the deceased’s family may file a wrongful death claim in civil court.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Ohio's vehicular homicide laws. See also Involuntary Manslaughter Definitions, Involuntary Manslaughter Penalties and Sentences, and Voluntary Manslaughter.
Code Sections | Vehicular Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide and Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: Ohio Revised Statute 2903.04 |
A.K.A. | "Vehicular Homicide" |
What is Prohibited? | Vehicular Manslaughter: Causing the death of another person or their unborn child while operating a motor vehicle as the result of a misdemeanor traffic violation. Vehicular Homicide: 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. Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: 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. |
Penalty | Vehicular Manslaughter :
Vehicular Homicide : (Depends on how the crime occurred)
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide : (Depends on how the crime occurred)
|
Civil Case | Possible Wrongful Death lawsuit and restitution to the victim's family. |
Definition of "Vehicle" | Motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft |
Get Legal Help with Your Vehicular Manslaughter Case in Ohio
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 for assistance.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.