Negligent Homicide Defense Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

What Is Considered Criminally Negligent Homicide in Arizona?

Under Arizona law, negligent homicide is a type of involuntary manslaughter, which is a lesser charge than manslaughter or murder. You can be charged with negligent homicide if you accidentally caused the death of another person through criminal negligence. Criminal negligence is the failure to act with reasonable caution or perceive obvious risks to your actions. 

What Is the Sentence for Negligent Homicide?

Negligent homicide is a Class 4 felony and a first offense carries a 1 year minimum prison sentence and a maximum 3.75 year prison sentence. Second offenses can result in up to 7.5 years in prison. In either situation, you will also lose your firearm license and have a criminal record.

The most common type of negligent homicide is DUI vehicular manslaughter when the driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, or if death occurred at a hit and run. 

Vehicular negligent homicide can also be caused by:

• Racing
• Excessive speeds
• And reckless driving

Fatalities from auto accidents that were not caused by criminal negligence are called "wrongful death" and are not criminal charges.

Additional Examples of Criminally Negligent Homicide in Arizona

A person can also be charged with negligent homicide for other types of accidents that result in someone's death. 

Additional examples of negligent homicide include:

•  Recklessly handling a loaded gun
• Hunting accidents
• Locking a child in a hot car
• Or leaving a car running in a garage, negligently causing a fire in which a fireman or another victim is killed

In Arizona, negligent homicide also includes accidents which cause the death of unborn child, no matter the stage of development, unless the person was performing an abortion or medical treatment on the woman or unborn child, or if the unborn child's death was caused by the mother.