Vehicular Assault in Steubenville, Ohio

Facing allegations of vehicular assault or aggravated vehicular assault in Ohio is a frightening experience. The state considers these offenses incredibly serious, and being charged means you are looking at severe penalties. A conviction can dismantle your future in an instant, bringing a host of devastating consequences. When charged, you may face:

• Lengthy jail time
• Extremely high fines
• The complete loss of your driver’s license
• Demerit points added to your driving record
• Disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• A permanent criminal record
• Loss of current employment and massive economic setbacks
• A civil lawsuit establishing personal liability
• Dramatically increased premium rates for your auto insurance

Being involved in a standard car accident is stressful enough, but when law enforcement believes there are aggravating factors—such as driving recklessly, speeding excessively, or operating a vehicle under the influence—the stakes are raised significantly. Due to the severe nature of these allegations, it is critical to reach out to a trusted Steubenville criminal lawyer. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our dedicated legal team will fiercely guide you through the complex court proceedings, aiming to secure the best possible outcome by striving to have your charges reduced or completely dismissed.

Vehicular Assault vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Understanding the difference between these two charges is essential. Under Ohio Rev. Code 2903.08, an individual can be charged with standard vehicular assault if their actions cause serious physical harm to another person or an unborn child while driving recklessly or speeding. On the other hand, if a driver is suspected of causing serious physical harm to another person or unborn child while operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the charge escalates to aggravated vehicular assault. Navigating this distinction often requires the insight of an experienced Steubenville OVI attorney. Keep in mind that the law defines a “vehicle” broadly; this includes not only motor vehicles like cars and trucks but also bikes, boats, and even planes.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

In Ohio, vehicular assault is typically prosecuted as a serious misdemeanor or a felony. Causing harm to a person or unborn child while driving through a posted construction zone is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by 7 to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.

If you cause serious harm in a posted construction zone and have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or any traffic-related violation, it becomes a fourth-degree felony, which carries 6 to 18 months of jail time and a $5,000 fine.

The charge upgrades to a third-degree felony if you fled the scene of the accident, were driving with a suspended license, or have a previous conviction for vehicular assault or a traffic-related death. In this scenario, you could face 12 to 60 months of jail time and a staggering $10,000 fine. A diligent Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you fight these severe penalties in court. Furthermore, reckless driving or speeding in a construction zone that results in injury triggers a license suspension of 1 to 5 years, which increases to 2 to 10 years if you have any prior traffic or vehicular assault convictions.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Aggravated vehicular assault is always categorized as a felony offense. If you cause injury while operating a vehicle under the influence, you will be charged with a third-degree felony, resulting in 12 to 60 months of jail time and up to a $10,000 fine.

The offense becomes a second-degree felony if you have prior convictions for vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, traffic-related assault or death, three OVI/DUI convictions, three or more convictions for the unsafe operation of an aircraft or watercraft, or two or more felony OVI/DUI convictions. This carries a massive penalty of 2 to 8 years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000. A knowledgeable Steubenville OVI attorney understands that your driving privileges are also at stake: a first conviction leads to a license suspension of 2 to 10 years, while a prior conviction for a traffic-related death means your license will be suspended from 3 years up to life.

Connect With Youngstown Criminal Law Group

The prosecution must prove multiple complex elements simultaneously to secure a conviction. The primary job of your Steubenville criminal lawyer is to diligently refute their arguments and dismantle their evidence, building a strong defense on your behalf. Our legal professionals at Youngstown Criminal Law Group will seize every opportunity to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in Jefferson County. Do not leave your future to chance. Get in touch with us today to discuss the specifics of your case. Call us for a free consultation at (330) 791-8104.