If you or a loved one is facing vehicular manslaughter charges in Denver or the surrounding Colorado area following a DUI, you need an experienced and dedicated defense attorney immediately. The consequences of a conviction are severe, including lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. At Churchill DUI Defense, our Denver Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Lawyer understands the gravity of these charges and are committed to providing a vigorous and strategic defense.
Colorado law defines vehicular manslaughter as causing the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle in a reckless or criminally negligent manner, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This charge is a felony, and the penalties can be life-altering.
The prosecution will work aggressively to prove your guilt. It is crucial to have an equally aggressive and knowledgeable defense attorney on your side to protect your rights and explore all possible legal options.
Understanding Denver’s traffic safety trends helps illustrate why these cases are prosecuted so aggressively. Colorado’s fatal-crash dashboard shows a clear rise in statewide deaths from 2015 through a peak in 2023, followed by an improvement in 2024 and a lower, year-to-date count for 2025. Specifically, the chart moves from the low 50s in 2015 to 77 fatalities in 2023, then drops to 63 in 2024 and 38 so far in 2025 (partial year). Denver County—home to some of the state’s busiest corridors—generally mirrors this pattern: elevated risk through 2021–2023 with early signs of easing more recently. For the most current, county-level view, use the filters on CDOT’s dashboard here: Colorado Fatal Crash Data (CDOT).
Get help now. Contact Churchill DUI Defense today.
In Colorado, vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges arise from fatal accidents but differ in legal terms. Vehicular homicide (C.R.S. § 18-3-106) occurs when a death results from driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving. DUI-related cases are Class 3 felonies, while reckless driving is a Class 4 felony. Vehicular manslaughter, often tied to criminal negligence (C.R.S. § 18-3-105), is Class 5 felony and involves a lower threshold of intent, such as distracted driving. These distinctions shape your defense strategy. In simple terms, homicide typically implies DUI or recklessness, while manslaughter is tied to negligence or distraction.
DUI-Related Vehicular Homicide (Class 3 Felony):
Reckless Driving Vehicular Homicide (Class 4 Felony):
Criminally Negligent Manslaughter (Class 5 Felony):
Colorado’s sentencing (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401) considers prior convictions, aggravating factors (e.g., high BAC), and mitigating factors (e.g., remorse). An experienced attorney like Kevin Churchill can negotiate pleas or present defenses to reduce penalties.
Facing vehicular homicide charges? With over 20 years defending DUI cases in Denver, Kevin Churchill builds strategic defenses to protect your future. Call (303) 832-9000 for a free consultation.
Kevin Churchill is a highly experienced Colorado defense attorney with a proven track record of successfully defending individuals facing serious DUI charges, including vehicular manslaughter. With 2 decades of dedicated experience in Colorado’s legal system, Kevin understands the complexities of DUI law and the specific challenges involved in vehicular manslaughter cases.
Kevin Churchill’s focus is on providing personalized and unwavering legal representation to each client. He will meticulously review the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and explore all available defenses to achieve the best possible outcome.
When you choose Churchill DUI Defense to defend you against vehicular manslaughter charges, you can expect:
In Colorado, Vehicular Manslaughter typically involves a reckless disregard for the safety of others that results in a death, while Vehicular Homicide specifically involves driving under the influence (DUI/DWAI) that causes a death. Both are serious felony charges with severe penalties, but the underlying circumstances of the driver's impairment or recklessness differ.
Common defenses may include challenging the prosecution's evidence regarding recklessness or intoxication, proving that another party was at fault for the accident, or demonstrating that the death was the result of an unavoidable accident. An attorney will meticulously review accident reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence to build a strong defense.
You should contact an experienced defense attorney immediately, preferably before speaking with law enforcement beyond providing basic identifying information. Early legal intervention is crucial to protect your rights, prevent self-incrimination, and begin gathering evidence vital to your defense while it is still fresh.
Yes, a conviction for vehicular manslaughter almost certainly leads to a lengthy suspension or permanent revocation of your driving privileges in Colorado. This is in addition to any criminal penalties like prison time or fines.
If a death occurs while a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the charge often escalates to Vehicular Homicide, which carries even more severe penalties. The prosecution will use toxicology reports and field sobriety tests to prove impairment.
A dedicated attorney, like Kevin Churchill, will provide crucial legal guidance, conduct an independent investigation, challenge forensic evidence, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. They will represent you in all court proceedings, working tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
At Churchill DUI Defense, we prioritize client confidentiality while proudly showcasing our track record of success in defending serious DUI-related charges, including vehicular manslaughter.
Attorney Kevin Churchill’s meticulous approach has led to significant victories, such as:
These outcomes reflect our commitment to thorough investigations, aggressive defense strategies, and personalized representation. We fight tirelessly to secure the best possible results for our clients. For a confidential consultation, call (303) 832-9000 today.
Disclaimer: Past case outcomes do not guarantee future results. Every case is unique.
Facing vehicular manslaughter charges is a serious situation that requires immediate and experienced legal representation. Don’t wait to protect your rights and your future. Contact our Denver Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Lawyer at Churchill DUI Defense today for a confidential consultation with Kevin Churchill.