Vehicular homicide in Manhattan is a serious felony under NY Penal Law § 125.12 (second-degree) or § 125.13 (first-degree), carrying potential prison sentences of 5 to 25 years; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing these charges in New York County (Manhattan).
Vehicular Homicide Lawyer in Manhattan, New York
Understanding Vehicular Homicide in Manhattan
Vehicular homicide in New York is defined under NY Penal Law § 125.12 (second-degree vehicular manslaughter) and § 125.13 (first-degree vehicular manslaughter). Second-degree vehicular manslaughter occurs when you cause the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle in violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law provisions, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or reckless driving. First-degree vehicular manslaughter applies when you cause death while intoxicated and have a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years, or when you cause death while driving with a suspended or revoked license due to a prior DWI. These are Class D and Class C felonies, respectively, carrying significant prison sentences, fines, and license revocation. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | NY Senate — official site
Official Legal References
For the full text of the vehicular homicide statutes, see NY Penal Law § 125.12 (New York State Senate — official site) and NY Penal Law § 125.13 (New York State Senate — official site).
What to Expect in Manhattan Courts
In New York County Supreme Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum sentences in vehicular homicide cases, especially those involving alcohol or drugs.
We have observed that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office often files charges under both § 125.12 and § 125.13 to maximize use during plea negotiations.
Early intervention is critical — the first 48 hours after an arrest can determine whether evidence is preserved or lost.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present.
- Preserve all evidence, including phone records and dashcam footage.
- Contact a vehicular homicide lawyer near me Manhattan immediately.
- Attend all court appearances at New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate plea options or trial strategy.
- Prepare for a potential license revocation hearing at the NYS DMV.
In Manhattan, vehicular homicide under NY Penal Law § 125.12 or § 125.13 carries severe penalties including prison time, fines, and license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Vehicular Manslaughter (§ 125.12) | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years in prison | Up to $5,000 | License revocation for at least 6 months | Probation, mandatory alcohol assessment, victim impact panel |
| First-Degree Vehicular Manslaughter (§ 125.13) | Class C Felony | Up to 15 years in prison | Up to $15,000 | License revocation for at least 1 year | Probation, mandatory alcohol treatment, restitution to victim’s family |
| Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (§ 125.14) | Class B Felony | Up to 25 years in prison | Up to $30,000 | License revocation for at least 1 year | Mandatory minimum 1 year, victim impact panel, restitution |
Results may vary.
Our Track Record
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While specific case results for Manhattan vehicular homicide are not available, our firm-wide experience demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 370 miles from New York County Supreme Court, with access via I-90 and the New York State Thruway. We serve clients throughout Manhattan and the greater New York City area.
If you are searching for a vehicular homicide lawyer near me Manhattan, we are here to help.
Serving the communities of Manhattan (Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicular Homicide in Manhattan
Should I fight a traffic ticket in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Yes, if the charge carries demerit points or criminal exposure.
Prepaying a ticket is a guilty plea — it adds points to your record, may raise insurance for years, and cannot be undone. At NYS Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB — NYC/Buffalo/Rochester) or New York County (Manhattan) local Justice Court, an attorney can negotiate reductions, present calibration and technical defenses, and in many cases avoid conviction entirely. Reckless driving, DUI, and suspended-license charges should never be paid without consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against vehicular manslaughter / homicide charges?
Defense strategies for vehicular manslaughter / homicide in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-36.1 (DUI) / § 18.2-36 (involuntary) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing vehicular manslaughter / homicide charges in Virginia?
If facing vehicular manslaughter / homicide charges in Virginia, contact a traffic attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against criminally negligent homicide charges?
Defense strategies for criminally negligent homicide in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under See Traffic general statutes — verify specific section for Criminally Negligent Homicide to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing criminally negligent homicide charges in Virginia?
If facing criminally negligent homicide charges in Virginia, contact a traffic attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against vehicular manslaughter charges?
Defense strategies for vehicular manslaughter in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-36.1 (DUI) / § 18.2-36 (involuntary) to build the strongest possible defense.
Related Legal Resources
- DWAI Lawyer Bronx — State-level hub for DWI/DWAI defense
- Hit and Run Lawyer Orange County — Related traffic defense in Orange County
- License Suspension Defense Lawyer Orange County — Related traffic defense in Orange County
- CDL Suspension Lawyer Orange County — Related traffic defense in Orange County
- Speeding Ticket Lawyer Madison County — Related traffic defense in Madison County
- DWI Lawyer New York County — Related practice area in New York County
- DWI Lawyer Manhattan — Related practice area in Manhattan
- Felony DWI Lawyer New York County — Related practice area in New York County
Last updated: 2026-04-30