Vehicular Assault in Jefferson

In Ohio, both vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular assault are treated as serious offenses. If you are charged with either of these crimes, you may face a range of life-altering consequences, including:

• Jail time
• Heavy fines
• Loss of your driver’s license
• Points added to your driving record
• Disqualification of your CDL
• A permanent criminal record
• Job loss and financial hardship
• A civil lawsuit for liability
• Higher insurance premiums

Not every car accident leads to harsh penalties. But if police suspect that you were speeding, driving recklessly, or operating a vehicle while impaired, the situation becomes far more severe. That’s exactly when you need the guidance of a skilled Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer who understands how these cases work.

Reach out to Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our team will walk you through every step of the legal process and fight to secure the best possible result—whether that means reducing your charges or having them dismissed altogether.

Vehicular Assault Vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Under Ohio Rev. Code 2903.08, you can be charged with vehicular assault if you cause serious harm to another person or an unborn child. This charge also applies when the injury results from speeding or reckless driving. An experienced Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney can explain how these definitions may apply to your unique situation.

The charge becomes aggravated vehicular assault when you are suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence and that impairment causes physical harm to another person or an unborn child.

Keep in mind that “vehicle” isn’t limited to cars. The term covers a wide range of transportation, including motorcycles, trucks, boats, and even planes.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

In most cases, vehicular assault is classified as either a serious misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances:

• It is a first degree misdemeanor if you harmed a person or an unborn child while driving in a posted construction zone. The penalty includes 7 to 180 days of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000.
• It becomes a fourth degree felony if you were driving in a posted construction zone with a prior conviction for vehicular assault or another traffic-related violation, and you caused serious harm to a person or an unborn child. This carries 6 to 18 months of jail time and a $5,000 fine. A trusted Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer can help you challenge these allegations.
• It is a third degree felony if you were driving on a suspended license, had a prior conviction for vehicular assault, had a prior conviction for any traffic-related death, or failed to stop at the scene of the accident. The penalty here is 12 to 60 months of jail time and a fine of $10,000.
• Your license will also be suspended for 1 to 5 years if you are convicted of vehicular assault involving injury caused by speeding or reckless driving—whether in a construction zone or during ordinary driving.
• Your license will be suspended for 2 to 10 years if you are convicted of vehicular assault and already have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or another traffic-related charge.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Aggravated vehicular assault is always charged as a felony. A knowledgeable Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney can make a real difference in how your case unfolds:

• It is a third degree felony when you operate a vehicle under the influence and cause injury. This carries 12 to 60 months of jail time and a fine of up to $10,000.
• It becomes a second degree felony if you have prior convictions—such as a previous vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, traffic-related assault or death, three OVI/DUI convictions, three or more convictions for unsafe operation of an aircraft or watercraft, or two or more OVI/DUI felonies. In this case, you face 2 to 8 years of jail time and a fine of up to $15,000.
• For a first conviction, your license will be suspended for 2 to 10 years. If you have any prior conviction involving a traffic-related death, the suspension extends from 3 years to life.

Connect With a Jefferson Traffic Lawyer

The role of your attorney is to challenge the prosecution’s arguments and evidence in order to build a strong defense on your behalf. Since the prosecution must prove several elements at once, your dedicated Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer has multiple opportunities to dismantle their case and pursue the most favorable outcome for you.

Don’t face these charges alone. Get in touch with Youngstown Criminal Law Group today to discuss your case. Call us at (330) 791-8104 for a free consultation.