Maryland Woman Charged with Vehicular Homicide After Fatal Car Accident
A Maryland woman faces charges for vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol after causing a severe car accident that killed five children and one man, according to an article by NBC4.
The car accident in question occurred on February 2nd at approximately 4:30 a.m. At that point, the Maryland woman in question was driving on Route 301 not far from Pointer Ridge Drive. This woman was carrying six passengers at the time, including five underage minors and one 23-year-old man.
Unfortunately, none of the minor passengers were wearing proper restraints. Consequently, when the Maryland woman crashed the vehicle, the force of the collision ejected all five children from the vehicle. None of those children even made it to a hospital for medical treatment. The authorities pronounced all five children dead at the scene, including two of the Maryland woman’s daughters.
Shortly after causing this fatal crash, law enforcement administered a chemical test to determine the Maryland woman’s level of intoxication. From an alcohol standpoint, the woman registered a blood-alcohol concentration over twice the legal limit of 0.08, according to law enforcement. Moreover, the chemical tests also revealed the presence of marijuana.
As a result of this traffic incident, this Maryland woman faces six counts of vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol as well as other charges. While this woman awaits her fate in court, it seems appropriate to review Maryland laws concerning vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol.
Definition of Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence of Alcohol
The definition of vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol appears under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 2-503. This section prohibits any person from:
- Negligently controlling, driving, or operating a motor vehicle or vessel; and
- Doing so while under the influence of alcohol or alcohol per se.
Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 2-501 outlines the state-specific definition of under the influence of alcohol per se. Under this section, this term refers to a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more.
Penalties for Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence of Alcohol
The penalties for vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol also appear under Section 2-503. The penalty structure for this offense is as follows:
- First Offense — A conviction will result in felony charges and a maximum punishment of five years in prison and $5,000 in criminal fines; and
- Second or Subsequent Offense — A conviction will result in felony charges and a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and $10,000 in criminal fines.
Let Us Help You Today
If you have legal questions about vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol or similar offenses in Maryland, it can be decidedly beneficial to consult with a skilled Baltimore personal injury lawyer. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP in Baltimore, Maryland, have proven competencies in the arena of personal injury law, including vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol and similar offenses. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Resource:
nbcwashington.com/news/local/Mother-Charged-in-Maryland-Crash-That-Killed-5-Children-1-Man-Had-Marijuana-and-Alcohol-in-Her-System-Prosecutors-509071611.html
