Nevada Man Charged with Vehicular Manslaughter Asks to Continue Driving
A man charged with four driving-related misdemeanors, including breaking Nevada vehicular manslaughter law, asked a judge last week to have his driving privileges restored. On July 15, the man was allegedly driving on a dirt road when he lost control of his Jeep Wrangler, causing it to overturn twice, and killing one of his passengers. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.
The driver also faces charges of driving without due care, driving left of center and failing to wear a seat belt. He tested negative for drugs, and his blood alcohol content was only .032, well below the legal limit. However, he has a past conviction of DUI as a minor, and he’s also been convicted of possession of drugs and stolen property. The DA is fighting the man’s request to have his driving privileges restored, and his next court hearing is set for later in December.
If a driver’s simple negligence causes a deadly traffic accident, he/she may be charged with breaking Nevada vehicular manslaughter law (NRS 484.3775), which is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and/or maybe a $1,000 fine. However, the jail term and fine may be doubled if the driver was violating a speed limit at the time or was in a work zone. And, obviously, the defendant’s driving record will reflect having broken Nevada vehicular manslaughter law.
