You never imagined you’d be in this situation. A crash. A victim’s death. And now, you’re hearing words like “negligent homicide” and wondering what comes next.
At The Hazzard Law Firm, we understand the shock and pain that comes with being charged in connection with the death of another person, even when it wasn’t intentional. You may feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure about what to do. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
In this blog, our criminal lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama explain what criminally negligent homicide means under Alabama law and what kind of sentence for negligent homicide you could be facing if convicted.
What Is Negligent Homicide in Alabama?
Under Alabama Code § 13A-6-4, criminally negligent homicide occurs when someone causes the death of another person by acting with criminal negligence.
Prosecutors most often file this charge in cases involving fatal car accidents, especially when alcohol, drugs, or distracted driving play a role. If the driver should have known their behavior posed a substantial and unjustifiable risk, the law may consider it more than just a tragic accident.
Negligent homicide requires that the person’s actions failed to meet the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation. Unlike intentional killing, the person did not mean to cause harm, but their behavior still resulted in the loss of human life.
Examples might include:
- Texting while driving and causing a fatal crash
- Driving under the influence (DUI) and killing a pedestrian or another driver
- Failing to maintain control of a vehicle in a school zone or a construction area
In short, you didn’t mean to hurt anyone. But the law says your behavior may have gone too far, and now you hold responsibility.
Understanding the Charge: Criminal Negligence vs. Involuntary Manslaughter
Criminal negligence is not the same as involuntary manslaughter, though the two are sometimes confused. Manslaughter often involves reckless behavior, where a person knows the risk but ignores it. Criminally negligent homicide, on the other hand, involves failing to recognize a risk that a reasonable person would have recognized.
The law draws a fine line between the two, and understanding that difference can shape how your case is handled and ultimately resolved.
What Is the Sentence for Negligent Homicide?
Criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor in most cases. If convicted, the sentence for negligent homicide in Alabama may include:
- Up to 1 year in jail, and
- A fine of up to $6,000
However, if the incident involved a motor vehicle and the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the offense can become a Class C felony. This is a much more serious charge and can result in:
- 1 year and 1 day up to 10 years in prison, and
- A fine of up to $15,000
This type of felony conviction carries lifelong consequences—not just jail time, but also a criminal record, employment issues, loss of civil rights, and even potential civil liability in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the deceased person’s family.
The criminal penalties for negligent homicide may not be as harsh as for murder, but they are still considered severe penalties under Alabama law. That’s why it’s so important to work with a qualified homicide lawyer who understands the law and the emotional toll of facing such a serious criminal charge.
What Happens After the Charge?
After an arrest or formal charge of criminally negligent homicide, you may be released on bond or remain in custody, depending on the facts of your case. From there, your next steps may include:
- A preliminary hearing
- Discovery and review of evidence
- Negotiation with the prosecution
- Filing of motions (such as to suppress certain evidence)
- Preparing for trial or entering into a plea agreement
This is where having the right lawyer for murder or homicide cases can make all the difference.
Good People. Hard Situations.
At The Hazzard Law Firm, we represent people, not just case files. Most of our clients charged with negligent homicide charges are not hardened criminals. They’re moms, dads, professionals, churchgoers, good-hearted folks who were involved in a terrible accident. We see you. And we believe one mistake shouldn’t define your entire life.
Why Experience and Relationships Matter
Attorney Wakisha Hazzard has a unique background that gives her clients an edge in the courtroom:
- Former public defender who worked side-by-side with prosecutors
- Appointed special judge who has presided over more than 10 criminal cases
- Deep relationships with Birmingham judges and DAs that help when negotiating serious charges
- Strong ties to the community, grounded in service and compassion
She’s seen both sides of the courtroom and knows how the system works and, more importantly, how to fight for you within it.
Building a Strong Defense
Every case is different. A good defense doesn’t come from a playbook. It comes from listening, understanding, and building a strategy around your situation. As your criminal lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama, we will:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly, including accident reconstruction, toxicology reports, and witness interviews
- Challenge evidence by examining how tests were administered and whether authorities followed proper procedures.
- Explore every legal option, from plea deals and sentence reductions to getting the case dismissed entirely
- Advocate for you, not just as a client, but as a human being worth defending
Don’t Let a Criminal Case Be a Hazard to You
Whether you made a mistake, found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, or face a wrongful accusation, we’re here to help you through it. At The Hazzard Law Firm, we’ll treat your case with care and urgency because navigating these legal hazards requires more than just legal knowledge. It requires heart, grit, and experience you can trust.
Call us at (205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378 or complete our confidential online form to schedule a free consultation with our case evaluator. We’re ready to listen, prepared to fight, and committed to helping you protect your future. The Hazzard Law Firm is ready to fight for you.
Copyright © 2025. The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC
505 20th St North, Suite 1125
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378
https://hazzardfirm.com/
