Vehicular Assault in St. Clairsville

Facing charges of vehicular assault in Ohio is a serious matter. Depending on the circumstances, you may experience significant consequences, such as jail time, hefty fines, loss of driver’s license, points on your record, disqualification of CDL, a criminal record, job loss, economic hardship, liability lawsuits, and increased insurance premiums.

While some car accidents may not result in severe consequences, situations involving speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence can lead to more severe penalties. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the assistance of a St. Clairsville OVI lawyer.

At St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group, our Ohio traffic lawyer will guide you through the legal process and work towards achieving the best possible outcome. They may be able to reduce your charges or have them dismissed entirely.

Vehicular Assault Vs. Aggravated Vehicular Assault

It’s important to understand the distinction between vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular assault under Ohio law. Vehicular assault charges apply when you cause severe harm to another person or unborn child. This can occur through reckless driving or speeding. On the other hand, aggravated vehicular assault charges occur when you operate a vehicle under the influence, leading to physical harm to another person or unborn child.

In Ohio, the definition of a vehicle isn’t limited to just motor vehicles. It can include cars, bikes, trucks, boats, or even planes.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

Vehicular assaults are typically classified as serious misdemeanors or felonies.

• A first degree misdemeanor applies if someone causes harm to a person or unborn child while driving in a posted construction zone. The penalty includes a jail term of 7 to 180 days and a fine of up to $1000.

• A fourth degree felony is charged to individuals driving in a posted construction zone with a prior conviction of vehicular assault or any traffic-related violation, causing serious harm to another person or unborn child. The punishment involves a jail term of 6 to 18 months and a fine of $5000.

• A third degree felony is warranted when individuals have a suspended license, a prior conviction of vehicular assault, and a prior conviction of any traffic-related death, in addition to failing to stop at the scene of the accident. In this case, the penalty includes a jail term of 12 to 60 months and a fine of $10,000.

• In incidents of vehicular assault causing injury while driving and reckless speeding in a construction zone or general driving, the offender’s license will be suspended for 1 to 5 years. 

• If there is another prior conviction of vehicular assault or any traffic-related charges, the license suspension period will be 2 to 10 years.

Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Aggravated vehicular assault charges are always considered felonies.

• Operating a vehicle under the influence and causing injury constitutes a third degree felony. The penalty involves a jail term of 12 to 60 months and a fine of up to $10,000.

• If a prior conviction of vehicular assault, aggravated vehicular assault, traffic-related assault or death, three convictions of OVI/DUI, three or more convictions of unsafe operation of aircraft or watercraft, or two or more OVI/DUI felonies exist, the offense will be classified as a second degree felony. In this case, the punishment includes a jail term of 2 to 8 years and a fine of up to $15,000.

• A first conviction of aggravated vehicular assault results in a license suspension of 2 to 10 years. If there is any prior conviction of traffic-related death, the license suspension period will range from 3 years to life.

Contact Our St. Clairsville Traffic Lawyer

Our skilled St. Clairsville traffic lawyer is dedicated to challenging the prosecution’s arguments and evidence in order to build a strong defense case on your behalf. With multiple factors the prosecution needs to prove, our Ohio traffic lawyer will ensure the best possible outcome for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer Group today for a free consultation and take the first step towards resolving your case. Call us now!