Vehicular Manslaughter Defendant May Take Plea by January Trial Date

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A 26-year-old accused of killing an individual in a drunk driving accident received a tentative trial date in the new year, despite his attorney’s believing the case may end in a plea deal.

David Hanson Jr. is charged with negligent vehicular manslaughter, negligent vehicular homicide while under the influence, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, inflicting a life-threatening injury with a vehicle while under the influence, knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle and driving on a revoked license for an April 16, 2023, fatal car crash.

In Baltimore City Circuit Court Oct. 4, the prosecution extended a plea offer of 10 years, suspending all but six years, for negligent vehicular manslaughter and a consecutive sentence of three years, suspending all but one year, for inflicting a life-threatening injury with a vehicle under the influence. In addition to the seven years in prison, Hanson would also be required to complete three years of supervised probation, alcohol addiction screening and treatment, have an alcohol restriction placed on his license and an ignition interlock to be placed on his car.

Defense attorney Daniel Mooney rejected the offer on his client’s behalf, but told the court plea negotiations were ongoing and that the case may resolve by way of a guilty plea. In the absence of an acceptable plea, counsel wanted to schedule a trial date in 2025.

Judge Melissa K. Copeland scheduled Hanson’s three-day trial to begin on Jan. 6, 2025.