California
In October 2011 an elderly gentlemen ran out in front of my car. He died four days later from the impact. I was not breaking any traffic laws and was not cited at the accident. Now the DA of Riverside County is charging me with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. I understand that the maximum sentence is 1 year in jail and fines. Because attorneys cost so much, I am wondering if I should try to fight this on my own. If I hire an attorney I feel like they will just drag it out through the courts and it will cost me more in time and money than if I just pleaded my case before the court. What is the likelihood that I would spend time in jail? I am a 61 year old grandmother with a clean record. This was a terrible accident and I am angered that the DA's office thinks there is a criminal offense here.
In October 2011 an elderly gentlemen ran out in front of my car. He died four days later from the impact. I was not breaking any traffic laws and was not cited at the accident. Now the DA of Riverside County is charging me with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. I understand that the maximum sentence is 1 year in jail and fines. Because attorneys cost so much, I am wondering if I should try to fight this on my own. If I hire an attorney I feel like they will just drag it out through the courts and it will cost me more in time and money than if I just pleaded my case before the court. What is the likelihood that I would spend time in jail? I am a 61 year old grandmother with a clean record. This was a terrible accident and I am angered that the DA's office thinks there is a criminal offense here.