Vehicular Assault in Youngstown

In Ohio, charges for vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular assault are treated with extreme seriousness. If you find yourself facing either of these charges, you are looking at potentially life-altering consequences, including:

• Incarceration
• Substantial financial penalties
• Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
• Points added to your driving record
• Disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• A permanent criminal record
• Employment termination and significant economic hardship
• Civil lawsuits regarding liability
• Skyrocketing insurance premiums

While a standard car accident might not always lead to severe criminal charges, the situation escalates quickly if law enforcement suspects aggravating factors. If you were speeding, driving recklessly, or operating under the influence, the legal repercussions become much more severe. This is precisely why seeking legal counsel is crucial.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we understand the stakes. Our Youngstown DUI attorney is dedicated to guiding you through these complex proceedings. We work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating for reduced charges or fighting for a complete dismissal.

Vehicular Assault Vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Under Ohio Rev. Code 2903.08, vehicular assault charges apply when an individual causes serious physical harm to another person or an unborn child while operating a vehicle. This charge is often levied in situations involving reckless driving or speeding.

However, the charge elevates to aggravated vehicular assault if the suspect was operating the vehicle under the influence (OVI/DUI) at the time they caused physical harm to another person or an unborn child.

It is important to note that the term “vehicle” is broad. It encompasses not just motor vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles, but also boats and even airplanes. If you are facing these accusations, consulting a Youngstown criminal lawyer is your first line of defense.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

Generally, vehicular assault is classified as either a serious misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: This applies if you caused serious harm to a person or unborn child while driving in a posted construction zone.
  • Penalties: Jail time ranging from 7 to 180 days and fines up to $1,000.
• Fourth-Degree Felony: This charge applies if you cause serious harm in a construction zone and have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or another traffic-related violation.
  • Penalties: Prison time of 6 to 18 months and fines up to $5,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: This severe charge applies if you caused serious harm while driving with a suspended license, have a prior vehicular assault conviction, have a prior conviction for a traffic-related death, or failed to stop at the scene of the accident.
  • Penalties: Prison time of 12 to 60 months and fines up to $10,000.

In addition to jail time and fines, your license faces suspension:

• 1 to 5 years if convicted of causing injury while speeding or driving recklessly (in a construction zone or generally).
• 2 to 10 years if you have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or other traffic-related charges.

Navigating these penalties requires the expertise of a skilled Youngstown DUI attorney who understands the local courts in Mahoning County.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Unlike standard vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault is always prosecuted as a felony due to the involvement of impairment.

• Third-Degree Felony: This is the standard charge for causing injury while operating a vehicle under the influence.
  • Penalties: Prison time of 12 to 60 months and fines up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: Charges escalate to this level if you have specific prior convictions, such as vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, traffic-related manslaughter, three prior OVI/DUI convictions, three or more convictions for unsafe aircraft operation, or two or more felony OVI/DUI convictions.
  • Penalties: Prison time of 2 to 8 years and fines up to $15,000.

License suspensions for aggravated vehicular assault are also severe:

• 2 to 10 years for a first-time conviction.
• 3 years to life if you have any prior conviction involving a traffic-related death.

Facing these felony charges without a Youngstown criminal lawyer puts your future at immense risk.

Connect With a Youngstown Traffic Lawyer

The primary role of your defense counsel is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and arguments systematically. The burden of proof lies with the state; they must prove several elements simultaneously to secure a conviction. This provides your Youngstown DUI attorney with opportunities to dismantle their case.Our team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group is prepared to scrutinize the facts and build a robust defense strategy tailored to your situation. Don’t leave your freedom to chance. Contact our law group today to discuss your case. Call us now at 412.387.6901 for a free consultation.