Vehicular Manslaughter

Sean Emery of the OC Register reported last week that Costa Mesa resident, Beau Richard Cook, was accused of losing control of his vehicle and killing a pedestrian while driving drunk, pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced Friday to six years in state prison.

Witnesses reported seeing the defendant, traveling southbound on Harbor Boulevard and running a red light at Warner Avenue in Santa Ana. Police reports indicate that the defendant lost control of his vehicle in an attempt to miss another vehicle, drove over the curb and struck a fire hydrant before hitting Eloisa Aguilar. Aguilar, 57, was killed instantly, while the defendant suffered injuries to his left leg and pelvis.

Police determined that an hour and a half after the incident the defendant’s blood-alcohol level was .08. At the sentencing, Aguilar’s fiancé, sister, niece and nephew all gave victim-impact statements at Friday’s court hearing.

Will He Be Found Guilty of Vehicular Manslaughter?

To prove that the defendant is guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter, the People must prove that:

• The defendant drove a vehicle;
• While driving that vehicle, the defendant committed a misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act that might cause death;
• The defendant committed the misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act that might cause death with gross negligence; AND
• The defendant’s grossly negligent conduct caused the death of another person.

Call Wallin & Klarich if You Face Vehicular Manslaughter Charges

Vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime, and you could be facing severe penalties if you are convicted of vehicular manslaughter. That is why you need to act now. Call the vehicular manslaughter attorneys at Wallin & Klarich right away so that we can begin working on your case. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience successfully defending our clients facing vehicular manslaughter charges. Let us use our knowledge and experience to help you, too.

We have offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville so there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney near you no matter where you work or live.

Call us today at (888) 280-6839 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.