Vehicular Assault in Mercer

In Pennsylvania, being charged with vehicular assault or aggravated vehicular assault is a serious matter. If you are charged with either of these offenses, you could face significant penalties, including:

• Jail or prison time
• Substantial fines
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Points added to your driver’s license
• Disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• A permanent criminal record
• Job loss and resulting economic hardship
• A civil lawsuit for damages
• Increased car insurance premiums

Causing a typical car accident might not lead to severe consequences. However, if law enforcement suspects that you were speeding, driving recklessly, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the situation becomes much more serious. This is precisely why you need to contact an experienced attorney immediately.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our Mercer criminal lawyer is prepared to guide you through the complexities of the legal process. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means reducing the charges or fighting for a complete dismissal.

Vehicular Assault vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

According to Pennsylvania Revised Code § 2903.08, you can be charged with vehicular assault if you cause serious physical harm to another person or an unborn child as a result of speeding or reckless driving. The term “vehicle” isn’t just limited to cars; it can also include motorcycles, trucks, boats, and even airplanes.

The charge becomes aggravated vehicular assault when the harm is caused while you are operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) of alcohol or drugs. This distinction is critical because the penalties for an aggravated offense are much more severe. A skilled Mercer criminal lawyer can help you understand the specific charges you are facing and build a strong defense.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

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

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: If you cause harm to a person or an unborn child while speeding in a posted construction zone, you could face 7 to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Fourth-Degree Felony: If you cause serious harm in a construction zone and have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or another traffic-related offense, the charge can be elevated to a fourth-degree felony. This carries a potential sentence of 6 to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: The offense becomes a third-degree felony if you cause serious harm while driving with a suspended license, have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or a traffic-related death, and you failed to stop at the scene of the accident. Penalties can include 12 to 60 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition, a conviction for vehicular assault will result in a driver’s license suspension. Your license could be suspended for 1 to 5 years. If you have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or other specific traffic offenses, the suspension could be extended from 2 to 10 years. A Mercer DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence to help minimize these harsh penalties.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

A charge of aggravated vehicular assault is always a felony in Pennsylvania, and the penalties reflect its seriousness.

• Third-Degree Felony: If you cause injury while operating a vehicle under the influence, you may be charged with a third-degree felony. This is punishable by 12 to 60 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: The charge can be escalated to a second-degree felony if you have prior convictions, such as for vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, a traffic-related death, three or more OVI/DUI convictions, or two or more felony OVI/DUI convictions. A conviction can lead to 2 to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Your driver’s license will also be suspended. For a first conviction, the suspension period is 2 to 10 years. If you have a prior conviction for a traffic-related death, your license can be suspended for 3 years to life. When facing such dire consequences, it is vital to have a dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer fighting for your rights.

Connect With a Mercer Traffic Lawyer

The primary role of your Mercer DUI lawyer is to scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and arguments to build a robust defense strategy for you. Since the prosecution must prove multiple elements to secure a conviction, this provides our attorneys with opportunities to challenge their case and achieve a favorable outcome. Don’t wait to protect your future. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer. A knowledgeable Mercer DUI lawyer is ready to help. Call us at 412.389.0805 today for free consultation.