Driver is Subject of Manhunt by Georgia Authorities

According to reports out of Clayton County, a manhunt is still underway after a deadly hit-and-run and grand theft auto incident occurred.

Authorities claim that a suspect stole a pick-up truck and made it to I-675 after it had been reported stolen in DeKalb County. He then got into an altercation with another driver on the interstate. The two vehicles ended up crashing into a wooded area off of the highway. The truck ended up on top of the other vehicle, trapping that driver inside.

The suspect then left on foot and authorities have been trying to track him down ever since.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the most egregious of the crimes that the suspect has been accused of committing which is vehicular homicide in the state of Georgia.

Vehicular Homicide in Georgia

Vehicular Homicide in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A §40-6-393 in two separate degrees. 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. 

So depending on the facts of the case as well as how it is charged, a count of vehicular homicide can either be a misdemeanor or a felony offense.

A first degree vehicular homicide conviction results in a prison term between three and fifteen years. Further, the crime will be deemed a felony. While a second degree vehicular homicide conviction results in penalties of a fine up to $1,000 or a prison term up to 12 months, or both.  

Practice Note

Vehicular homicide is one of the most serious crimes in the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a serious traffic crime, contact our offices now. We can help you with your case immediately.