California takes DUI-related crimes extremely seriously—especially when an intoxicated driver causes the death of another person. One of the most severe felony DUI charges is defined under California Penal Code 191.5(a), known as gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. This charge combines intoxication with gross negligence, resulting in tragic and often life-changing consequences for everyone involved.
If you or someone you know in Auburn California has been arrested under PC 191.5(a), it’s critical to understand the law, potential penalties, how bail works, and how to get help quickly. During such a devastating and overwhelming experience, working with a compassionate and experienced Bail Bondsman—especially one from a trusted agency like Bail House Bail Bonds—can provide support, guidance, and the fastest path to getting your loved one released from Placer County Jail.
This blog explains everything you need to know about the charge, the legal process, the role of a Bailbond, and why choosing the right bail agency matters.
PC 191.5(a) defines gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which occurs when:
A driver is intoxicated (from alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two),
They commit an act inherently dangerous to human life or behave recklessly,
Their actions demonstrate gross negligence, and
Their conduct directly causes the death of another person.
This is one of the harshest DUI-related charges in California because it requires both impairment and extreme recklessness.
Driving 90 mph in a residential area after drinking
Running a red light while under the influence of drugs
Driving the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated
When these actions result in a fatal accident, prosecutors often pursue PC 191.5(a).
Understanding negligence is vital in vehicular manslaughter cases.
A simple mistake or minor lapse in judgment—careless, but not outrageous.
A significant deviation from what a reasonable person would consider safe. This means the driver acted with reckless disregard for human life.
Example:
Ordinary negligence: Forgetting to turn on headlights at dusk
Gross negligence: Speeding through a school zone while intoxicated
Because PC 191.5(a) requires gross negligence, it carries far steeper penalties than ordinary vehicular manslaughter.
Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is always a felony, and the penalties are severe.
4, 6, or 10 years for first offenses
15 years to life for defendants with prior DUIs or a Watson advisement (an official warning about the dangers of drunk driving)
Fines may reach $10,000, not including civil lawsuits that may arise from victims’ families.
The DMV may suspend or revoke driving privileges for several years or permanently.
If probation is granted, conditions may include:
DUI educational programs
Substance abuse treatment
Community service
Regular court check-ins
For non-citizens, a conviction may lead to:
Removal proceedings
Denial of re-entry
Loss of lawful status
Because this crime involves a death and intoxication, bail amounts are high. In Auburn California, and throughout Placer County Jail, the typical bail for PC 191.5(a) ranges from:
$50,000 to $200,000, depending on:
Prior convictions
Nature of the accident
Level of intoxication
Extent of gross negligence
Criminal history
Judges may adjust bail upward if prosecutors argue the defendant poses a danger to the community.
Working with the right Bail Bondsman ensures the process moves quickly, giving families faster access to their loved one.
Facing a bail amount in the six-figure range can feel impossible for most families. That’s where a Bailbond becomes essential.
Contact Bail House Bail Bonds
Provide the defendant’s name, charges, and whether they are held at Placer County Jail or another facility.
Pay a Percentage of Bail
In California, bail bonds cost 10% of the total bail.
Example:
If bail is $150,000, the bail bond fee is $15,000.
The Bail Bondsman Posts Bail
Bail House Bail Bonds pays the full amount to the court, securing the defendant’s release.
Defendant Must Attend All Court Hearings
Failure to appear can result in bond forfeiture and additional penalties.
This process allows the defendant to return home quickly while preparing their legal defense.
An experienced attorney may challenge one or more elements of the charge.
Breath or blood tests may be flawed or mishandled.
The defense may argue that the driver acted carelessly—but not with reckless disregard.
Experts may show that another driver or external factor caused the crash.
Prosecutors must prove the defendant’s actions directly caused the death, not contributing factors like weather or mechanical failure.
A PC 191.5(a) charge can feel overwhelming, but securing bail offers key advantages:
Ability to assist in building a defense
Time to find an attorney
Opportunity to support family and maintain employment
Emotional and mental stability during the legal process
With professional support from Bail House Bail Bonds, navigating the system becomes far less stressful.
When your loved one is in Placer County Jail facing a life-changing felony charge, choosing the right bail agency matters more than ever. Here’s why Bail House Bail Bonds continues to be the top choice in Auburn California and surrounding communities:
Not all agencies understand the complexity of gross vehicular manslaughter cases. Bail House Bail Bonds has years of proven experience handling high-risk, high-bail charges.
Their agents know the procedures, paperwork, and staff involved, which allows them to secure releases quickly.
You can reach a live, experienced Bail Bondsman at any hour — arrests don’t wait, and neither do they.
They understand the emotional devastation these cases bring and treat every client with dignity and respect.
Unlike many agencies, Bail House Bail Bonds offers honest communication, fair pricing, and no surprise charges.
Whether it’s a late-night arrest, a high bail amount, or overwhelming fear of the unknown, they are the team you want on your side.
Yes. It is classified as a violent felony under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Bail often ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on prior DUI convictions and details of the accident.
Yes. Most defendants are still eligible for bail unless the judge rules otherwise due to extreme circumstances.
Gross negligence shows reckless disregard for life, while ordinary negligence reflects simple carelessness. PC 191.5(a) requires gross negligence.
Absolutely. They specialize in handling severe felony cases in Auburn, Placer County, and surrounding areas.