Honolulu Vehicular Manslaughter DUI Lawyer

Experienced Vehicular Manslaughter DUI Attorney In Honolulu, HI

Vehicular manslaughter charges can harm your life, even if the charges are later dismissed or you are acquitted at trial. Receiving a driving under the influence (DUI) charge with a vehicular manslaughter charge brings added challenges. A Honolulu vehicular manslaughter DUI lawyer can help.

Hire a Vehicular Manslaughter DUI Lawyer with Local Roots in Honolulu

When facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, you need to hire a vehicular manslaughter DUI lawyer with experience representing these types of cases. Potential penalties can be severe, and representation is necessary. The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson has over two decades of experience representing Honolulu and Oahu residents facing DUI charges. Regardless of the seriousness of the charges, we’re here to help.

Traffic Deaths in Hawaii

According to Hawaii’s Department of Transportation’s Safe Communities Program, from January 1, 2026, to May 26, 2026, there were a total of 36 crash-related fatalities in the State of Hawaii. Of these fatalities, the facts listed below are true:

• 22 were motor vehicle occupants
• 9 were pedestrians
• 4 were occupants of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, or ATVs
• 1 were other non-occupants, which included skateboards, e-scooters, and wheelchairs
• 16 (almost half) were in the city and county of Honolulu

Vehicular manslaughter is termed negligent homicide in the first degree in Hawaii. These charges are handled by the Oahu First Circuit Court at Ka’ahumanu Hale in Honolulu. When these charges also include a DUI, the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office (ADLRO), located on the fifth floor, in Suite 500, of the American Savings Bank Tower on Bishop Street in Honolulu, handles issues with license revocation.

Negligent Homicide in the First Degree

Vehicular manslaughter falls under the legal term of negligent homicide in the first degree, which includes causing the death of another person by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For a first-time offense, the charge is treated as a class B felony unless the person has been previously convicted of a DUI within the previous 15 years, in which case the charge is treated as a class A felony.

Conviction for a class B felony can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years of incarceration, while a conviction for a class A felony can result in a maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration without the possibility of suspension of sentence or probation.

Defense Options for Vehicular Manslaughter DUI

When defending against a vehicular manslaughter DUI, defense options include looking at several different aspects of the charge, including those factors listed below:

• The DUI element. Issues related to the initial traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and chemical testing could result in evidence being inadmissible or the charges being dismissed.
• Criminal negligence element. To prove a crime occurred, the state has to demonstrate that you behaved in a manner counter to how a reasonable person would have behaved. Demonstrating that the accident was unavoidable or that the victim’s actions were the overriding cause of the accident could result in a favorable outcome.
• Police violations. Demonstrating that the police violated procedural or constitutional rights can also lead to charges being dismissed. If officers failed to issue your Miranda rights or engaged in an unlawful search or traffic stop, the charges could be dismissed.

Contact The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson

You shouldn’t face vehicular manslaughter DUI charges without a knowledgeable attorney to examine your case and offer support throughout the process. Contact The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson to schedule your initial consultation and discuss your case.