Las Vegas Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Clients Facing Serious Charges

A moment’s mistake on the road can lead to a lifetime of consequences. In Nevada, if a driver’s negligence or simple carelessness causes a fatal crash, prosecutors may file vehicular manslaughter charges under NRS § 484B.657. Though this offense is less severe than vehicular homicide or DUI resulting in death, a conviction can still mean jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

Attorney Ross C. Goodman, who leads Goodman Law Group, is a Las Vegas native and trial-tested defense attorney who understands how the local justice system handles fatal accident cases. He has defended drivers in complex vehicular crime cases throughout Clark County, including many that are referred to him by other attorneys. 

When the stakes are this high, you need a lawyer who knows how to navigate the local courts, challenge the state’s evidence, and fight relentlessly for your future.

Call (702) 825-7854 to speak with our Las Vegas vehicular manslaughter attorney.

Vehicular Manslaughter Under Nevada Law

Vehicular manslaughter is defined in NRS § 484B.657 as the unlawful killing of another person through simple negligence while driving. Simple negligence sets this charge apart from more serious offenses like vehicular homicide or DUI causing death, which require proof of reckless disregard or intoxication. 

Vehicular manslaughter applies when a driver unintentionally causes a fatal accident by failing to use reasonable care, such as by being distracted, speeding, or making a careless driving decision.

Unlike DUI-related fatalities, vehicular manslaughter cases don’t hinge on intoxication or deliberate wrongdoing. Prosecutors only need to prove that the driver’s ordinary negligence directly caused someone’s death. This rule means even an otherwise law-abiding driver could face criminal prosecution for what might have been a tragic accident. 

Attorney Goodman understands how easily these cases can be overcharged and how prosecutors sometimes push for a conviction even when the evidence of negligence is weak or circumstantial.

Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter in Nevada

Vehicular manslaughter is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Nevada, but the penalties can still have life-changing effects. The court’s judgment often depends on the facts of the crash, the driver’s prior record, and whether aggravating factors were involved. 

Even without prior offenses, a conviction means facing criminal punishment and administrative consequences from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

A vehicular manslaughter conviction can carry the following penalties:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines of up to $1,000
• Court costs and other administrative fees
• Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license by the Nevada DMV
• Possible civil liability for damages in a separate wrongful death lawsuit

While some misdemeanor offenses may be resolved without jail time, vehicular manslaughter is treated far more seriously because of the loss of life involved. Prosecutors in Clark County often push for incarceration or significant license restrictions. Attorney Goodman knows how to challenge those penalties and present mitigating evidence that humanizes you in court and demonstrates that the crash was a tragic accident, not a criminal act.

Defending Against Vehicular Manslaughter Charges

Every vehicular manslaughter case is different, and no attorney can guarantee which defenses will apply or succeed in a particular case. However, Attorney Ross C. Goodman has developed a wide range of strategies to protect clients facing serious traffic-related criminal charges in Las Vegas courts. His approach often begins with an in-depth review of the crash investigation, accident reconstruction reports, witness statements, and police procedures to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative.

Depending on the circumstances, your defense may involve one or more of the following strategies:

• Challenging the finding of negligence, arguing that your actions were reasonable under the conditions.
• Disputing the reliability of witnesses or evidence, especially if the prosecution relies on biased or inconsistent statements.
• Attacking flaws in the accident investigation, such as missing data, improper evidence handling, or failure to consider alternative explanations.
• Negotiating for reduced charges or dismissal based on insufficient evidence or procedural errors.

Attorney Goodman can also examine whether law enforcement overstepped boundaries during questioning or evidence collection. He is known for aggressive courtroom representation and precision in cross-examining expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists and medical examiners. His trial record and reputation for meticulous preparation often give prosecutors reason to hesitate.

Call Goodman Law Group Today

If you’ve been accused of vehicular manslaughter in Las Vegas, every decision you make from this point forward matters. Even a misdemeanor conviction can damage your life, your freedom, and your future opportunities. You need a defense attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the local court dynamics of these cases.

Attorney Ross C. Goodman has earned his reputation as one of Las Vegas’s most tenacious criminal defense lawyers. He has spent years representing clients in high-profile vehicular crime cases. He knows the prosecutors, the judges, and the “lay of the legal land,” and he uses that insight to defend clients vigorously.

Call (702) 825-7854 to schedule an initial case review with our vehicular manslaughter attorney in Las Vegas.