Vehicular Assault in Cambridge

Vehicular assault, as well as aggravated vehicular assault, are serious legal charges under Ohio law. Facing these accusations comes with a range of severe consequences, including:

• Jail time
• Significant financial penalties
• Driver’s license suspension
• Points added to your driver’s license
• Disqualification from holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• A criminal record
• The possibility of losing your job and experiencing economic distress
• Facing a civil lawsuit for liability
• Higher insurance premiums

If you’re charged following a car accident, and law enforcement identifies aggravating factors such as reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, the penalties are considerably harsher. That’s why consulting an Ohio traffic ticket attorney is essential.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our experienced Ohio traffic attorneys are here to assist. We work to protect your rights and aim to reduce or dismiss your charges, helping you achieve the best possible resolution.

Vehicular Assault vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

According to Ohio Revised Code 2903.08, you may face a vehicular assault charge for causing serious physical harm to another person or an unborn child due to reckless driving or speeding.

Aggravated vehicular assault comes into play if you’re operating a vehicle under the influence and your actions result in serious injury to another person or an unborn child.

The definition of “vehicle” is broad and includes motor vehicles, bicycles, trucks, boats, or even planes.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

Vehicular assault is often treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Below are specific scenarios highlighting the range of penalties:

• First-degree misdemeanor

If you caused harm in a posted construction zone, you could face 7 to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.

• Fourth-degree felony

Convictions involving serious harm in a construction zone with a prior record of vehicular assault or traffic-related violations may result in 6 to 18 months of jail time and fines reaching $5,000.

• Third-degree felony

This applies if you have a suspended license, prior convictions for vehicular assault or traffic-related deaths, or if you fled the scene of an accident. The penalties range from 12 to 60 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.

Additionally, license suspensions depend on past and present violations:

• 1–5 years for vehicular assault due to speeding or reckless driving.
• 2–10 years if there’s a history of vehicular assault or traffic-related offenses.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Aggravated vehicular assault is always regarded as a felony. The penalties escalate based on prior offenses:

• Third-degree felony

If you caused injury while operating a vehicle under the influence, you could face 12 to 60 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.

• Second-degree felony

Penalties increase for cases involving prior convictions such as vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, a traffic-related death, or multiple felony DUIs. Sentences can range from 2 to 8 years in jail with fines of up to $15,000.

License suspension terms include:

• 2–10 years for a first offense.
• 3 years to a lifetime suspension if there’s a prior conviction for traffic-related death.

Connect With a Youngstown Traffic Lawyer

When charged with vehicular or aggravated vehicular assault, securing experienced legal representation is critical. A skilled Ohio traffic ticket lawyer from the Youngstown Criminal LawGroup will work diligently to challenge evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution to ensure your defense is strong.

Leveraging legal strategies tailored to your case, our team focuses on achieving the best possible outcome, whether reducing charges or getting them dismissed entirely. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today to schedule your free consultation or call on (330) 992-3036 take the first step toward protecting your rights.