Source: https://www.brownbradshaw.com/dui-law/automobile-homicide
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 14:36:38+00:00

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Sometimes a traffic crash involving a fatality is just a tragic accident. Traffic homicide detectives in Utah investigate these cases to determine whether any criminal charges for automobile homicide should occur. If you were involved in the crash, then you need an advocate for your during the investigation.
After a traffic homicide investigation begins, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP in Salt Lake City, UT, to find out what you need to do right now to protect yourself against these serious charges.
had a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of operation (often called the "per se" driving under the influence [DUI]).
If more than one person suffered bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death as a result of the crash, a separate charge could be brought for each victim even when the injuries arise from the same episode of driving.
Under § 76-5-207(4), the standards for chemical breath analysis as provided by Section 41-6a-515 and the provisions for the admissibility of chemical test results as provided by Section 41-6a-516 apply to determination and proof of blood alcohol content under this section.
Additionally, the calculations of blood or breath alcohol concentration under this section shall be made in accordance with Subsection 41-6a-502(1).
Both the Automobile Homicide Statute and the DUI With Serious Injury Statute apply to individuals under the influence of “any drug.” See Utah Code Ann. § 41–6a–502(1)(b); id. § 76–5–207(2)(a)(ii).
Both statutes include controlled substances within the definition of “drug.” For instance, § 41–6a–501(1)(c)(i) defines “drug” for purposes of the DUI With Serious Injury Statute to include controlled substances.
In § 76–5–207(1)(a)(i), the term “drug” is defined for purposes of the Automobile Homicide Statute to include controlled substances. Under § 58–37–2(1)(f), the term “controlled substance” is defined to include substances listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV, or V of the Utah Controlled Substances Act and the federal Controlled Substances Act).
Neither the Automobile Homicide Statute or the DUI with Serious Bodily Injury statute distinguishes between drugs used in accordance with a valid prescription and drugs used illegally. Thus, by their plain language, these statutes apply to the use of both prescription and nonprescription controlled substances.
Under Utah Code Ann. § 76–5–207(2)(b), (3), the crime of automobile homicide is charged as a third-degree felony. Alternatively, the crime of automobile homicide may be charged as a second-degree felony if the defendant was criminally negligent or had a previous DUI-related conviction.
Additionally, when action is taken against a driving privilege for the alcohol-related offense of automobile homicide, a lifetime alcohol-restricted status will result after a conviction.
Statutes or ordinances previously in effect in this state or in effect in any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States which would constitute a violation of Section 41-6a-502 or alcohol, any drug, or a combination of both-related reckless driving if committed in this state, including punishments administered under 10 U.S.C. Sec. 815.
expungement under Title 77, Chapter 40, Utah Expungement Act.
has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of.08 grams or greater at the time of operation.
With criminal negligence or is criminally negligent with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he ought to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of a nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor's standpoint.
any substance that, when knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly taken into the human body, can impair the ability of a person to safely operate a motor vehicle.
The statute also provides several definitions. The term “motor vehicle" is defined as “any self-propelled vehicle and includes any automobile, truck, van, motorcycle, train, engine, watercraft, or aircraft.
Homicide Automobile Statute in Utah - Visit the website of the Utah State Legislature to learn more about Utah’s criminal code for offenses against the person involving homicide including automobile homicide.
Under the Automobile Homicide Statute, a person who, while “under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle,” “operates a motor vehicle in a negligent manner causing the death of another” commits a third-degree felony. Utah Code Ann. § 76–5–207(2)(a). Penalties for a second-degree felony can be imposed if the defendant had a prior DUI-related conviction or if the defendant acted with criminal negligence.
Under § 76-5-207(6), the fact that a person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol or a drug is not a defense.
If you were charged with Automobile Homicide Statute, Utah Code Ann. § 76–5–207 as either a third-degree felony or a second-degree felony, then contact an experienced attorney for traffic crimes in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas in Utah. Our attorneys represent clients on a variety of DUI-related offenses and other serious driving offenses in Utah.
Call us at (801) 532-5297 for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case.

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