Vehicular Assault
Perhaps the most common felony driving offense charged in Washington is vehicular assault. These cases can be very difficult and emotional as multiple families are affected by this tragedy. For the victims' family, the injuries can be life-changing and the trauma can be life-altering. For the accused, the potential loss of freedom can have devastating impacts on their family, their career and their future. These cases often garner some media attention as well, making the chance of a fair trial even more difficult.
The vehicular assault statute reads as follows:
A person is guilty of vehicular assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle:
(a) In a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
(b) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502, and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
(c) With disregard for the safety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another.
- Vehicular assault is a class B felony punishable under RCW 9A.20
- As used in this section, "substantial bodily harm" has the same meaning as in RCW 9A.04.110.
Substantial Bodily Harm means bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily part.
Vehicular Homicide is a Class B Felony, which means that it is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Vehicular Assault committed while either driving under the influence or driving in a reckless manner is a Level IV offense and carries a minimum of 3 months of incarceration. Vehicular Assault while driving with a disregard for the safety of others is a Level III offense and carries a minimum of 1 month of incarceration.
Vehicular Assault is considered a serious violent offense and counts as a strike towards a most dangerous offender lifetime incarceration. For those charged of vehicular assault, you cannot take a chance on an attorney who dabbles in these sorts of cases. You cannot rely on an attorney who handles a wide array of criminal cases. You need a specialist in this field and we can help you.