Defending Criminal Homicide Cases in Utah
Under Utah criminal law, a charge of negligent homicide can be filed in cases where a death was caused by another person’s criminally negligent conduct. Although the charge is only a class A misdemeanor, it still carries significant consequences and should be taken seriously.
Elements of a Negligent Homicide Charge in Utah
A charge of negligent homicide does not require proof that the defendant intended to cause a death or acted with any malice or ill will toward the other person. The charge does not even require proof of recklessness on the part of the defendant. Instead, under Utah law a charge of criminal negligence only requires proof of an accidental death that resulted from conduct that constituted a “gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise” given the circumstances or risks that were involved in the situation.
The best defense attorneys ask questions that police don’t.
If you have been involved in a traffic accident that resulted in a fatality, you could potentially be charged with negligent homicide. If alcohol was involved in the accident, a more serious charge of automobile homicide could be filed.
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case
Whenever a criminal case involves a death, the emotions on both sides can run high. Prosecutors and judges often feel pressure from a victim’s family to impose the maximum penalty. If you are facing any kind of homicide charge, you deserve to have a criminal attorney on your side who has a record of success. Contact us directly to see how our team can help you.
