Vehicular Assault in Pittsburgh

In Pennsylvania, being charged with vehicular assault or aggravated vehicular assault is a serious matter. If you find yourself facing these charges, you could be dealing with severe consequences, including:

• Jail or prison time
• Significant fines
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Points added to your driving record
• Disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• A permanent criminal record
• Potential job loss and financial hardship
• A civil lawsuit for damages
• Increased insurance premium rates

A typical car accident might not lead to such severe outcomes. However, if law enforcement believes you were speeding, driving recklessly, or under the influence, the situation becomes much more serious. This is precisely when you need the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer.

At Logue Law Group, our dedicated Pittsburgh criminal lawyers are here to guide you through the legal proceedings. We will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your case, aiming to have your charges reduced or even dismissed entirely.

Vehicular Assault vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

This can happen if you are driving recklessly or speeding. The charge becomes aggravated vehicular assault when you are suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence (DUI) and this act causes physical harm to another person or an unborn child. A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of these charges.

It’s important to note that a “vehicle” isn’t just a car. The law applies to a wide range of transportation, including bikes, trucks, boats, and even airplanes.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

Vehicular assault charges in Pennsylvania are typically classified as a serious misdemeanor or a felony.

• It is considered a first-degree misdemeanor if you cause harm to a person or an unborn child while driving recklessly in a posted construction zone. The penalty includes 7 to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• The charge can be elevated to a fourth-degree felony if you cause serious harm in a construction zone and have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or another traffic-related violation. This carries a penalty of 6 to 18 months in jail and a fine up to $5,000.
• It becomes a third-degree felony under circumstances such as driving with a suspended license, having a prior conviction for vehicular assault or a traffic-related death, or failing to stop at the scene of the accident. Penalties include 12 to 60 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Your license will also be suspended for 1 to 5 years if you are convicted of causing injury while speeding or driving recklessly. If you have a prior conviction for vehicular assault or other traffic-related charges, the suspension period increases to 2 to 10 years. An experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can provide crucial defense in these situations.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Aggravated vehicular assault is always treated as a felony in Pennsylvania.

• It is a third-degree felony if you operate a vehicle under the influence and cause injury to another person. This is punishable by 12 to 60 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• The charge can be a second-degree felony if you have prior convictions. This includes previous vehicular assaults, traffic-related deaths, three or more DUI convictions, or multiple unsafe operation convictions for aircraft or watercraft. This serious charge can result in 2 to 8 years in prison 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 a prior conviction for a traffic-related death, your license can be suspended for 3 years to life.

Connect With a Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

The role of a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and arguments to build a strong defense for you. Since the prosecution must prove several elements of the case, our skilled Pennsylvania traffic lawyers at Logue Law Group have opportunities to create doubt and work toward a favorable outcome. If you are facing charges in Allegheny County or the surrounding areas, it is vital to act quickly. Get in touch with Logue Law Group by calling us at 412-387-6901 today for a free consultation to discuss your case.