Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

Defending Clients Across Wyoming and South Dakota

When someone loses their life in a crash and prosecutors believe you were at fault, the government may pursue a vehicular homicide or aggravated vehicular homicide charge. These are serious crimes and a conviction can carry mandatory prison time, permanent loss of your license, and a criminal record that follows you for life.

But being charged is not the same as being convicted.

At Just Criminal Law, we stand with people facing the full weight of the state’s accusations. Led by former prosecutors, our team knows how the other side operates, and we use that insight to build strategic, aggressive defenses that challenge the government’s evidence, expose weaknesses in their case, and fight for the best possible outcome. 

From the moment you're under investigation to the day your case is resolved, we protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.

Why Clients Trust Just Criminal Law With Serious Charges

• Led by former prosecutors who know how the government builds cases
• A client-first approach and clear communication throughout your case
• Strategic, personalized defense plans tailored to the facts of your case
• Spanish-speaking support available on request

You don’t have to face this alone. Call (307) 300-2240 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. We serve clients across Wyoming and into South Dakota and will travel up to 120 miles from our office in Gillette.

Attorney Spotlight: Christina L. Williams, Former Prosecutor & Founder

Christina L. Williams has dedicated her career to defending the accused and holding the government accountable to the burden of proof. As a former prosecutor with more than 15 years of experience, she understands how serious charges like vehicular homicide are built, how prosecutors think, and what it takes to dismantle the case against you.

She founded Just Criminal Law to ensure that people facing the most difficult moments of their lives get the defense they deserve – thorough, fearless, and backed by a team that gives 100%. Clients consistently say Christina is prepared, responsive, and committed:

“They reassured and walked me through every step of the process.”

“I would l highly recommend Just Criminal Law to anyone who needs the level of expertise they provide and I was given.” – Former Client

“I can’t thank Just Criminal Law enough! They made the process very simple and didn’t require any leg work for me.”

“I feel like I was valued as a client further than the courtroom. I recommend them to anyone in need of support in their corner! – Former Client

Understanding Vehicular Homicide Charges in Wyoming

In Wyoming, vehicular homicide is defined under W.S. § 6-2-106 and applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unlike murder or manslaughter, vehicular homicide does not require proof of intent, only that your actions behind the wheel, combined with intoxication, led to someone’s death.

This makes vehicular homicide a strict liability offense in many respects: if prosecutors can prove you were impaired at the time of a fatal crash, you may face conviction even if you didn’t intend to harm anyone or believed the crash was unavoidable.

Common scenarios that result in vehicular homicide charges include:

• Drunk driving or drug-impaired driving resulting in a fatal crash
• Prescription medication affecting your ability to drive safely
• Crashes involving alcohol and aggravating factors like excessive speed or prior DUIs

While the offense is serious on its own, prosecutors may push for elevated charges in cases involving certain aggravating factors.

What Is Aggravated Vehicular Homicide?

Wyoming does not have a statute titled "Aggravated Vehicular Homicide" but in practice, prosecutors can pursue more severe penalties when the underlying facts of the case support them. Factors that may lead to more aggressive charging or enhanced sentencing include:

• Prior DUI convictions
• High BAC (blood alcohol concentration)
• Multiple fatalities or serious injuries
• Driving without a valid license or while under suspension
• Leaving the scene or failure to render aid

Depending on the circumstances, you could face additional felonies alongside vehicular homicide, including felony DUI, child endangerment, or hit-and-run causing death.

Penalties for Vehicular Homicide in Wyoming

Vehicular homicide is a felony in Wyoming. A conviction carries:

• Up to 20 years in prison
• Revocation of your driver’s license
• A felony conviction on your record, which can impact employment, housing, firearm rights, and more

If other felony charges are stacked on top, such as DUI or failure to remain at the scene, your prison exposure may increase substantially.

In South Dakota, while the statutes differ, a similar fatal DUI crash may result in vehicular homicide charges under SDCL § 22-16-41, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $30,000 in fines. South Dakota law may also impose additional enhancements based on prior offenses or the presence of minors.

Defending Against Vehicular Homicide Charges

No two cases are the same and no two defenses should be either. At Just Criminal Law, we start every defense with a detailed review of the facts, including:

• Was the traffic stop or arrest lawful?
• Was the field sobriety test administered correctly?
• Were blood or breath samples properly collected, stored, and tested?
• Were there mechanical issues or environmental factors that contributed to the crash?
• Is there evidence of another driver’s fault?

We may also challenge causation. In some cases, even if you were under the influence, the prosecution must still prove your impairment caused the fatal crash, not just that you were present when it occurred. That burden is often greater than people realize, especially when accident reconstruction or toxicology evidence is flawed or incomplete.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

Prosecutors begin building their case immediately after a fatal crash and they often push for the harshest charges possible. If you’ve been arrested or believe you’re under investigation, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.

At Just Criminal Law, we have extensive experience handling serious DUI charges and high-level felonies, including vehicular homicide. We know what’s at stake when someone’s future is on the line and we bring the same strategic, trial-ready approach to every case, whether it’s resolved through negotiation or litigation.

We:

• Intervene early to protect your rights during investigation and questioning
• Investigate the crash independently, using accident reconstruction experts when necessary
• Challenge weak or unlawfully obtained evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges where possible
• Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial and fight to win

Talk to a Vehicular Homicide Defense Lawyer Today

If you’re facing a vehicular homicide charge in Wyoming or South Dakota, the stakes are too high to wait. Let us help you take control of the situation.

Call (307) 300-2240 or contact us online for a personalized case review.