A collision resulting in death falls under which penalty category?

A collision resulting in death falls under which penalty category?

• A. Infraction
• B. Misdemeanor
• C. Felony, 1 to 25 years, $10,000 to $25,000
• D. Felony, 20 to 40 years

Answer: (C)

When a collision results in a death, it’s treated as a crime against a person, not a minor infraction or a low-level offense. That moves it into the felony category. The penalty shown—felony with a term of 1 to 25 years and a fine of $10,000 to $25,000—fits the typical range for vehicular homicide or negligent homicide cases where death occurred but there isn’t intent to kill. The alternative felony range (20 to 40 years) is generally reserved for more severe situations, such as intentional killings or aggravated circumstances. So the option that specifies a felony with 1 to 25 years and fines best reflects how such deaths are commonly punished.

When a collision results in a death, it’s treated as a crime against a person, not a minor infraction or a low-level offense. That moves it into the felony category. The penalty shown—felony with a term of 1 to 25 years and a fine of $10,000 to $25,000—fits the typical range for vehicular homicide or negligent homicide cases where death occurred but there isn’t intent to kill. The alternative felony range (20 to 40 years) is generally reserved for more severe situations, such as intentional killings or aggravated circumstances. So the option that specifies a felony with 1 to 25 years and fines best reflects how such deaths are commonly punished.