Atlanta Police Search for Fatal Hit and Run Suspect

Atlanta Lenwood Jackson Justice Center

Atlanta, Ga. - Officers with the Atlanta Police Department are still searching for a man that has been accused of hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle within the City of Atlanta.

Several fatal hit and runs have been reported over this past summer. In some cases, the suspects have been detained and arrested while in other situations, the drivers are still at large.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will focus on the the very serious criminal offense of vehicular homicide in today's post as in any hit and run involving the death of the injured party will most likely involve this offense alongside Hit and Run in Georgia.

Vehicular Homicide in Georgia

Georgia law O.C.G.A. §40-6-393 outlines the degrees of vehicular homicide in Georgia. A person will be charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree when, without malice aforethought, a death is caused by the person either unlawfully passing a school bus, reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude a police office, or leaving the scene of the accident. Homicide by vehicle in the second degree occurs when death results due to a violation of any other statute other than the ones specified for homicide in the first degree. 

First degree vehicular homicide is regarded as felony-grade vehicular homicide charge occurs when a death is the result of DUI or reckless driving. Convictions of felony-grade vehicular homicide may warrant up to 15 years in prison. 

In addition to penalties decided by a judge, the offender could also face a civil suit brought on by the victim's family. In a civil suit, the judge could award damages such as pain and suffering or loss of company to the victim's family. 

Furthermore, homicide by vehicle convictions can have long-term consequences. A felony conviction can make finding employment difficult as well as precluding the victim from practicing in certain professions such as teaching, the medical field, and other areas. The conviction will appear during background checks and can also affect obtaining housing or credit.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a serious traffic violation such as hit and run, vehicular homicide, or DUI in Georgia, call our offices immediately. We can help you with your case and determine what is the next right move for you.