Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer in Utah

What Are Vehicular Manslaughter Charges?

Vehicular manslaughter involves the death of one or more people caused by reckless or negligent driving. These cases are often tied to DUI, distracted driving, or reckless behavior behind the wheel.

Under Utah Code § 76-5-204 prosecutors can file charges in two main situations:

1. A murder charge is reduced to manslaughter, or
2. Someone causes another person’s death through reckless behavior while driving.

For DUI-related cases, penalties may also overlap with alcohol crime defense and DUI penalties.

How Is Murder Different From Vehicular Manslaughter?

The key difference is intent.

1. Murder: Intentional act to kill or seriously harm.
2. Vehicular manslaughter: Recklessness or negligence behind the wheel that causes death.

Examples include:

1. Reckless driving
2. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
3. Excessive speeding
4. Texting while driving

Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Utah & Sentences

Utah law takes vehicular manslaughter extremely seriously. Penalties vary depending on the nature of the charge.

Gross Negligence (Third-Degree Felony)

1. Up to 5 years in prison
2. Up to $5,000 fine
3. 1-year license suspension(Reference: Utah Courts Sentencing Guidelines)

Criminal Negligence (Second-Degree Felony)

1. Up to 15 years in prison
2. Up to $10,000 fine
3. 1-year license suspension(Reference: Utah Code – Criminal Homicide)

DUI-Related Manslaughter (Second-Degree Felony)

1. BAC of 0.08+
2. Harsher penalties with prior DUI convictions
3. Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fine(Reference: Utah Department of Public Safety – DUI Laws and Utah Courts DUI Information)

These are often referred to as the “vehicular homicide sentence” or “vehicular manslaughter sentence.” See also: Do you go to jail for vehicular manslaughter in Utah?

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Prosecutors in Utah are aggressive. The longer you wait, the fewer opportunities exist for charge reduction, evidence suppression, or even dismissal. Learning about your rights in the Utah criminal justice process is crucial. Hiring an attorney immediately gives you the best chance at a strong defense.

Defense Strategies We Use

✔️ Challenge the prosecution’s evidence (breath/blood tests, accident reports)

✔️ Demonstrate lack of recklessness or negligence

✔️ Seek reduced charges (e.g., negligent homicide instead of manslaughter)

✔️ Argue for case dismissal when rights are violated

✔️ Present mitigating circumstances to minimize sentencing

Our defense team also works across related cases like wrongful death civil claims and catastrophic injury cases, ensuring clients are protected on every front.

Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers

1. Over 650 jury and bench trials completed
2. 20+ years of criminal defense experience
3. Utah’s most 5-star reviews for criminal defense
4. Recognized by Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100
5. 24/7 emergency legal help

We don’t just defend cases-we protect lives, families, and futures. See why clients choose us.

Client Testimonials

Wasatch Defense Lawyers helped my family during a crisis when legal counsel was needed the most. They were always responsive and ready to address any questions, even if there were simple or redundant. Lane has been great and has always picked up the phone, ready to help out. Grateful for all of their support.

Javi Santa Cruz

23:41 03 Dec 25

The attorney helping me out has been extremely helpful with getting my case dismissed.

Spenser Gustin

22:58 01 Dec 25

Super Easy to talk withThey answered all my questions quickly and helped put my mind at ease

C

19:22 24 Nov 25

The team at Wasatch Defense are great. I recommend them. After being falsely accused, they took my case very seriously and facilitated the right people to help me with every step. Paying a flat fee for the entire case helped me manage the financial burden with complete clarity. We ended up with a not guilty verdict.

Andrew Verge

20:01 13 Nov 25

I can only give my highest praise and recommendations for Wasatch Defense Attorneys and their team. A special thanks to Lane Paralegal for all his help

Julie Rasmussen

01:58 11 Nov 25

My attorney was Scot wilding probably the best attorney I’ve had. Had trouble with this from before until I got assigned Scot really good guy and wants to help. Helped me a lot! Appreciate you Scot

Mote Tau

18:31 03 Nov 25

We were facing a family crisis when I contacted Wasatch Defense Attorneys. Lane responded immediately and guided us through an incredibly challenging situation. He and the entire team gave us peace of mind, assuring us that we were protected and that they would do everything possible to help. Thankfully, the case was resolved quickly, and I’m deeply grateful for the firm’s support and professionalism.

Jenn Wright

15:37 23 Oct 25

They go above and beyond. And always communicate with you.Well Done.Thank you.Mr. LITI

Orian belt We are committed to earth

18:02 17 Oct 25

Reed was a clear communicator, helpful, and when a mistake was made fixed the error. He understood the situation immediately and knew how to help. It was great working with him. Highly recommend.

Big Bad

00:33 03 Oct 25

Our lawyer, Reed, was amazing. He communicated well and helped us along this journey. Highly recommend.

Liz Nix

00:30 03 Oct 25

I was very grateful for the straight forward information we received. Lane was patient and kind, Darrell was blunt and direct. I LIKED THAT in this situation. I needed information/ education about what could happen, possible worst case scenarios, the law as it applied to us.

Michelle Dennis

02:38 30 Sep 25

These guys are awesome they helped me fast with my situation these guys are the best

Mal Jones

23:41 29 Sep 25

Very good at what they do and most importantly knowledgeable at every single thing that comes up. Very thankful and glad we were able to find them. Lane is very attentive and there to help answer all questions. More than please with their service. Would recommend to anyone.

Patricia Gomez

18:55 24 Sep 25

I went in for a free consult and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. Very knowledgeable and honest, they really took the time to listen to my concerns and gave great advice. I will most definitely be using Wasatch Defense Layers.

Krystalyn Robinson

16:45 23 Sep 25

Amazing experience. Extremely helpful.

Evan Robinson

16:41 23 Sep 25

I appreciate all the support we had working with Layne. He is a very kind man. That helped us in our time of need. I would recommend them to family and friends. The team is very knowledgeable. With a wide umbrella of care and compassion.Thank you for everything.

Shelly Myrick

15:02 18 Sep 25

The Wasatch Defense Lawyers team has been amazing, especially Lane, paralegal; he has kept us in the loop on everything happening with the charges and the court. Anytime I text or call, he responds quickly and professionally. Wasatch Defense Lawyers are keeping our son—who was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people—out of prison, and setting him up so he can move forward in life and put this chapter behind him. 🙏🏼

Kim Hartman

14:24 18 Sep 25

I was impressed with the fact that they started on the case before we even hired them. Scott was very informative and gave us his cellphone number so we could call him anytime we needed and he always answered the phone.I was impressed in his compassion considering the situation. He was always very kind and nonjudgmental.He always had compliments about how he was doing. He worked hard for results.

Natalie Najera

17:09 17 Sep 25

Wasatch Defense Attorneys have been great. They have been helping my son with his case and are very professional and kind attorneys. Lane has been quite awesome and helpful. I recommend this firm to anyone and everyone.

April Stagg

14:33 16 Sep 25

Had some amazing help from these guys.

Douglas Gillespie

14:14 16 Sep 25

Super responsive and helpful at any hour. Very knowledgeable.

Jenica Wilcox

21:07 14 Sep 25

At the very beginning, I had no hope or nowhere to go, or any idea what to do with the situation I got in but I got in touch with Wasatch Defense. They connected me with Beau and Jenny and thanks to them I get to live my life after going through 4 years of hardship and uncertainty lane and Beau and Jenny fought tooth and nail for me and gave me another chance at life. For that, I am forever grateful to them and would recommend them a million times over.

Isaiah Smith

00:21 11 Sep 25

These guys have been such a help throughout this long and scary process. The entire team has been super informative and supportive throughout this case my family has been dealing with. Lane especially has been nothing but reassuring and quick to answer any questions or concerns I have. I am beyond relieved that we went with Wasatch Defense!

Larz

22:36 10 Sep 25

Great defense lawyer. Reed was very professional and helped my family through a difficult time. I highly recommend him.

Nabila Shafi

21:40 10 Sep 25

Lane Clark and his team are world class. They take care of their clients and truly care about them as people. They understand their client's situation and most importantly they understand the laws and decision makers involved throughout the entire process. I highly recommend him and their firm.

Bradley Thatcher

00:59 10 Sep 25

If you’re looking for lawyers who don’t just show up but show out, this is the team. They’ve had my back every step of the way sharp, relentless, and seriously kick ass at what they do.Special shoutout to Lane: absolute rockstar. Lane goes above and beyond, explains things in a way that actually makes sense, and fights like hell for the best outcome. You can tell they truly care, not just about the case but about you as a person.Professional, powerful, and downright awesome these are the lawyers you want in your corner.

Shannon Rakes

23:45 09 Sep 25

Did a great job handling the case. Got great relief for our family. Was fantastic at explaining everything in detail. definitely recommend.

Erica Taylor

00:25 08 Sep 25

They were very personable and professional.

Loraine Larsen

00:15 08 Sep 25

I was charged on a Sunday and called Wastatch defense on Monday at lunch. They were able to get me a consultation right away. I felt so relieved after talking with them. They knew what to do and took care of everything from the moment I signed. Call with confidence that you will be well taken care of through the whole process.

douglas larsen

00:12 08 Sep 25

Communication was exceptional, they did anything and everything to reassure us things were going to be okay. Lane is exceptional wherever he his he will get back to you in a timely manner.

Diann Castaneda

20:25 05 Sep 25

Franklin Katschke is an incredible attorney. I know he works very hard and does an amazing job for his clients. He's sharp and gets the job done. You cannot go wrong with Franklin as your attorney.

Clay Randle

16:50 05 Sep 25

Great service we are super happy with them they’ve help me and my family a lot we definitely recommend their services.

Gerram5.7 R

16:02 04 Sep 25

My son was falsely accused by a student at school and the issue was reported to DCFS. My defense attorney team and attorney Paul Johnson did a wonderful job and got everything dismissed quickly.

Tiffany

18:45 01 Sep 25

It is early in the case with a long road ahead, but up to this point we have been treated with understanding, kindness and compassion. Reed and Lane have been immediately responsive when contacted. I believe their team is competent and motivated to advocate through a difficult situation, and are highly invested in reaching the best possible outcomes. Thank you!

Ginger

18:05 30 Aug 25

So, initially I didn't have the best experience with a specific attorney, after I had left a negative review, Lane personally reached out to me to offer to rectify the situation. I was blow away with how kind and professional he was, and his offer that if I ever needed help again, I could use him personally. Sometimes things happen, and maybe my experience was just a fluke, but I am truly surprised how quick Lane was to want to make things right. Because of that alone, I would absolutely recommend Wasatch Defense Attorneys. Not all businesses care about their clients and their customer service, and I can tell he really wants people to have had a good experience with his organization. Thank you, Lane!

Lauren W.

15:06 29 Aug 25

Wasatch Defense Lawyers were creative and resourceful in their defense of my son. Thank you for a job well done!

Charlotte Stewart

00:41 25 Aug 25

We really enjoyed our experience with this team! It was a pleasure to work with Mark and Lane. They provided clear guidance, support and always answered any questions we would have at any time during the process! Very helpful and informative. We also appreciated the care and empathy they showed for us just as people during a difficult time. They are great and I would highly recommend!

Anna Vongse

18:12 24 Aug 25

The team that helped absolve my case talked clearly with me and I have only positive feelings with everyone involved with Wasatch Defense. Thank you.

Damon Rushton

04:29 23 Aug 25

I live in New Jersey but used to live in Utah. This firm was patient and handled my problems swiftly and professionally. I would recommend to anyone especially if you’re out of state and new help in Utah.they get the job done 👌

Roger Maiure

18:42 22 Aug 25

When I found myself stranded at the doorstep of an unfamiliar legal system, I reached out for help. Scott and the team at Wasatch Defense Attorneys responded with remarkable speed, meeting with me the same day to listen, strategize, and provide clear guidance. Even after resolving my case, their continued support has been a tremendous comfort during such uncertain times. Wasatch Defense Attorneys are swift, effective, and, most importantly, always have your back.

RobRoy Thompson

13:45 22 Aug 25

Wasatch Defense Lawyers were right there when my son needed them. Lane made sure my son was protected from the start. We were treated fair and Darrell was straightforward and to the point which got the job done. Thank you Wasatch Defense Lawyers

angie mortensen lopez

02:16 21 Aug 25

Wasatch Defense attorney I spoke with and had a consultation with was extremely personable, helpful, caring, concerned and considerate towards the case I brought fourth to them! Absolutely would recommend hiring them to fight for you!

mandi Moon

17:16 18 Aug 25

Paul and the rest of the team at Wasatch defense are the best in the state for a reason.

Brian Swaner

22:43 15 Aug 25

We really recommend Wasatch Defense Lawyers. Darrell, Layne, Amy and Victoria (Apologies if we forgot to mention anyone else) Great staff, they were very honest with us. Very trustworthy and very supportive! Definitely will reach out and work with them again. We really appreciate all the help and support. Thank you all!

Jenny L.

00:57 15 Aug 25

Wasatch defense was professional, knowledgeable, and great to work with. Lane was very personable and helped ease our concerns.

josh schultz

14:03 14 Aug 25

Tyler Ayres is a dedicated and knowledgeable defense attorney who has been invaluable in my case. He provided clear guidance, strong representation, and is always responsive to my questions. I highly recommend Tyler and Wasatch Defense Lawyers to anyone needing a reliable defense lawyer.

Chris Fraide

03:16 13 Aug 25

Very detailed and sensitive to issue.

Jennifer Stanger

23:18 06 Aug 25

More success stories can be found in our client reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions