Facing vehicular manslaughter accusations in Scottsdale? This charge is life-altering, as it can impact your freedom, reputation, and future. You need Hector Diaz to give you the best shot at a fresh start.
Known for his media-savvy approach and powerful courtroom presence, Hector is who Fortune 500 execs, athletes, and everyday Arizonans turn to when everything is on the line.
Hector Diaz is no ordinary defense attorney. With a prestigious background at Quarles & Brady LLP, Hector has handled some of the most complex and sensitive criminal cases in Arizona. He’s represented high-profile clients, contributes as a legal analyst on 12News, and earned a reputation for shutting down cases before they ever reach an indictment.
Now, as the founder of Diaz Law, PLLC, he brings unmatched experience, discretion, and precision to every case. Hector is bilingual, serving clients in both English and Spanish, and is respected for his ability to quietly defuse media storms while building rock-solid defenses behind the scenes.
At Diaz Law, you’re not handed off to a junior associate—you work directly with Hector, every step of the way.
Arizona does not have a standalone “vehicular homicide” statute. Instead, a fatal crash can lead to charges under one of three related laws, depending on the driver’s state of mind and conduct at the time:
● Negligent Homicide (ARS 13-1102)
A Class 4 dangerous felony. This applies when a driver’s careless or inattentive actions—such as minor speeding or a momentary distraction—cause a death without any conscious awareness of risk.
● Manslaughter (ARS 13-1103)
A Class 2 dangerous felony. Charged when the driver knowingly engages in reckless behavior, like excessive speeding or aggressive maneuvers, that creates a substantial risk of death, even if there was no intent to kill.
● Second-Degree Murder (ARS 13-1104)
A Class 1 dangerous felony. Reserved for cases in which the driver either intended to cause death or displayed “extreme indifference to human life,” such as combining DUI with high-speed pursuit or other egregious conduct.
Which charge applies often hinges on factors like vehicle speed, blood-alcohol level, proof of intent, and any shared fault by the victim. For example, a low-speed collision with no impairment may qualify only as negligent homicide. At the same time, a high-speed, alcohol-related crash could rise to manslaughter—or even second-degree murder if prosecutors can show an extreme lack of concern.
Potential penalties include:
● Mandatory prison terms (ranging from 1–3.75 years for Class 4 up to 8.75–25 years for Class 1)
● License revocation or lengthy suspensions
● Permanent felony record and collateral civil liability
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
● High-profile media coverage
Key Defense Considerations
Criminal defense attorneys often seek to reduce more serious manslaughter charges to negligent homicide, a strategy that may involve a negotiated plea. Early intervention—challenging overly broad subpoenas or preserving critical evidence, such as accident reconstruction data, can be pivotal.
Because prosecutors assess each case based on the driver’s conduct and mindset, having counsel who understands these nuances is crucial.
Hector Díaz brings years of experience working with Maricopa County and federal prosecutors. He moves swiftly to test the government’s theory, explore charge-reduction options, and, if necessary, prepare a full trial defense—all while keeping your future and freedom at the forefront.
Hector Diaz, known to the media and his clients as “the fixer,” approaches every case with your future at the forefront of his strategy. He fights hard in court so you get the best chance at a fresh start.
Diaz Law handles vehicular manslaughter charges regularly, and some of the most common factors we notice include:
● DUI (alcohol or drug impairment)
● Distracted driving (texting, etc.)
● Speeding or reckless driving
● Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
● Road rage incidents
● Accidents in school or construction zones
Every case is unique, and so is Hector’s approach. Don’t put your entire life in the hands of a cookie-cutter strategy. Give yourself the chance you deserve, the chance Hector Diaz is known for securing.
When you’re under investigation or charged with vehicular manslaughter in Arizona, early legal action can mean the difference between a dismissed case and a prison sentence.
Hector Diaz is an expert in pre-indictment strategy. He moves fast, investigates independently, and often presents exculpatory evidence to prosecutors before a case is even filed.
This proactive approach has helped countless clients avoid formal charges entirely. If you’re being investigated, you need someone who can mold the “clay” of your case before it becomes a rock-solid indictment. Hector does just that.
When your future is on the line, you want more than a competent attorney—you want someone who rises above the rest. Hector Diaz brings results, relationships, and real-world strategy that other attorneys simply can’t match.
● Experience with High-Stakes Cases: Hector has defended clients involved in some of Arizona’s most complex and high-profile investigations, including cases tied to the HBO documentary “The Vow.”
● Discreet Crisis Management: As “The Fixer,” Hector knows how to neutralize media exposure and protect reputations. No matter who you are, he keeps your case private and your image intact.
● Pre-Indictment Defense: Most attorneys wait until charges are filed. Hector doesn’t. He begins working your case immediately, often presenting evidence to the prosecutor that can kill a case before it escalates.
● Unmatched Legal Strategy: From examining crash reconstructions and black box data to scrutinizing toxicology reports and officer conduct, Hector leaves no stone unturned.
● Trusted Legal Advisor: Fluent in English and Spanish, Hector guarantees every client, regardless of background, gets direct, accessible legal guidance and powerful representation.
Your future is not a bargaining chip; it’s the rest of your life. Hector Diaz is here to protect it.
Hector represents clients across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert. He also takes on federal and multi-jurisdictional vehicular manslaughter cases, especially where DUI or high-speed factors are involved.
In the aftermath of a fatal crash, emotions run high, and your decisions may be clouded by stress or confusion. But the steps you take immediately following the incident can significantly impact your future—and potentially your freedom. Here's what you need to know.
Do not make statements to police or insurance without an attorney.
Contact Diaz Law immediately. Time is of the essence.
Preserve any evidence—vehicle data, phone records, and witnesses.
Do not discuss your case on social media. Even private messages can be used against you in a court of law.
Clients choose Hector because they know he’s relentless. They know he understands how prosecutors think because he’s worked alongside them. They know he can shape public perception because he has media influence. And they know he can dismantle a case before it destroys a life.
Hector isn’t just a lawyer you hire after the fact—he’s the advisor you need before the damage is done.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Diaz Law team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Don’t wait for charges to be filed. If you or a loved one is under investigation for vehicular manslaughter, contact Hector Diaz today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
Your future is too important to risk inaction.
