If you’ve been involved in a serious accident that resulted in someone’s death, you may be facing more than just emotional fallout—you could also be looking at criminal charges. In Michigan, “vehicular homicide” isn’t a formal charge, but several offenses carry similar consequences. Depending on the facts, a conviction could mean time in prison, a revoked license, and a permanent felony record.
What Is Considered Vehicular Homicide in Michigan?
Michigan law doesn’t use the phrase “vehicular homicide,” but the term often refers to situations where a person causes someone else’s death while driving. That could involve reckless behavior, alcohol or drug use, or even a careless mistake behind the wheel. Several Michigan statutes cover these scenarios, including:
- Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Causing Death – under MCL § 257.625(4)
- Reckless Driving Causing Death – under MCL § 257.626(4)
- Moving Violation Causing Death – under MCL § 257.601d(1)
Each charge has its own legal standards, but they all share one thing: the death of another person due to how someone was driving.
Charges and Penalties
Let’s look more closely at what these charges involve and what sentences they carry if there’s a conviction.
OWI Causing Death
- This charge applies when someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes a fatal crash.
- It’s a felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Fines range from $2,500 to $10,000.
- If the victim is an emergency responder (like a police officer or firefighter) or if the driver has prior OWI convictions, the sentence can be extended to 20 years.
Reckless Driving Causing Death
- This offense involves operating a vehicle in a way that shows willful disregard for safety.
- It’s also a felony, with up to 15 years in prison.
- A conviction includes mandatory driver’s license revocation.
Moving Violation Causing Death
- This applies when a driver commits a basic traffic offense (such as failing to yield or running a red light) and causes someone’s death.
- It’s a misdemeanor, not a felony.
- The penalty is up to 1 year in jail and a minimum 1-year driver’s license suspension.
Civil lawsuits may also follow, especially in fatal crashes. Families of victims often file wrongful death claims seeking financial damages.
What Makes the Sentence Harsher or More Lenient?
The facts of the case can strongly affect the outcome. Some factors may lead to stiffer sentencing, while others may persuade a judge or prosecutor to reduce the charges or recommend leniency.
Aggravating factors may include:
- Driving while drunk or high
- Speeding, racing, or ignoring traffic laws
- A prior history of OWI or reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of the crash
Mitigating factors may include:
- No prior traffic offenses
- Immediate cooperation with police
- Road or weather conditions that contributed to the accident
- Evidence of remorse, such as a voluntary apology or community service
Each case is unique. The full story matters, not just the police report.
What to Do If You’re Charged
If you’re facing one of these charges, it’s important to act quickly and cautiously. Saying the wrong thing to police or trying to explain your side without a lawyer could hurt your defense.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Stay calm and use your right to remain silent.
- Don’t assume a conviction is guaranteed, even if someone died.
- Reach out to an attorney immediately so we can preserve evidence, request records, and start building your defense.
We’ll take a close look at every part of the case—how the crash happened, whether the tests were done correctly, and whether there’s a valid legal defense. We also help you manage the emotional and public fallout, especially when a fatality makes headlines.
How We Can Help
When you’re facing serious charges like OWI causing death or reckless driving, you need a legal team that understands Michigan criminal law and treats your case with the utmost urgency and care. At Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, we’ve defended people against felony and misdemeanor charges across the state. We don’t just show up for court dates—we dig into the details, challenge weak evidence, and work hard to protect your future.
Whether you’re under investigation or have already been arrested, we’ll help you take control of the situation.
Take the First Step Toward Defending Yourself
If you’ve been charged with vehicular homicide in Michigan, contact Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan today. We’ll review your case and explain your options. Your future matters—let’s protect it together.
