Many fatal car accidents here in Louisiana do not result in criminal charges against the at-fault drivers, even though they may receive traffic citations. In some instances, of course, aggravating circumstances such as impairment can lead to charges of vehicular homicide. This is the charge that one woman faces in connection with a crash in Aug. 2016 in which the passenger died.
On Aug. 10, 2016, at around 1:20 p.m., the vehicle the 50-year-old woman was driving first hit one pole and then continued on for approximately 80 feet before crashing head-on into another pole. Her passenger died at the scene, and she suffered serious injuries. During the course of the investigation, police claim that the woman was driving at a high rate of speed and was high on cocaine.
On July 13, police arrested the woman. In Louisiana, vehicular homicide charges may be filed when an individual dies in an auto accident in which the driver is accused of being impaired by alcohol or drugs. The penalties associated with this charge could be severe if prosecutors secure a conviction.
Those facing these circumstances will want to secure assistance in dealing with the charges. Despite the assertion of officials that this woman is guilty of vehicular homicide, that must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Before that can happen, she has the right to review the evidence that prosecutors intend to present and confront any witnesses against her in court. Determining the best course of action to achieve the most beneficial outcome in these circumstances may require the help of criminal defense counsel.
Source: nola.com, “Little Woods woman charged in 2016 fatal car crash had cocaine in system: warrant”, Emily Lane, July 15, 2017
