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Vehicular Assault Reckless Driving Charges

Vehicular Assault Reckless Driving Charges

Attorneys Will Build Your Defense Against Vehicular Assault, Vehicular Homicide or Manslaughter Charges.

It only takes a moment for everything to change forever.

This is especially true when it comes to vehicular crimes. It is rare that a defendant sets out to use a vehicle to harm another person. However, even when injury or death of one or more persons is deemed an accident, the result is no less devastating. New York State takes vehicular crimes very seriously.

Vehicular Crimes in New York State

In NY, a vehicular crime is a violent offense, and almost always charged as a felony. A charge does not always result in a conviction, especially when a qualified attorney that understands the charges is able to mount a strong defense.

A conviction will not only give you a criminal record and land you in prison for a considerable length of time; you could also face a civil suit filed by the injured, or their loved ones.

The first thing you should do when you, or a loved one are arrested for any vehicular crime is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

What is Vehicular Assault?

Vehicular assault is a crime where a motor vehicle is used as a weapon to cause harm to a person.

What is Vehicular Manslaughter?

Vehicular manslaughter is charged when a motor vehicle is used as a weapon to result in death.

DWI, DWAI, DUI, and Vehicular Crimes

A vehicle is essentially any motor-driven mode of transportation; car, truck, motorcycle, snowmobile, boat, or other modes of transportation.

Primary offenses under New York State Traffic Law include the driver of a vehicle found to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances, DWI, DWAI, or using mobile communications such as phone calls and texting while driving.

Penalties for Vehicular Crimes in New York State

In NY State, the sentencing of a vehicular crime conviction will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to; prior arrests or convictions of any felony or DWI/DWAI charges.

Sentencing for a conviction will likely be impacted by predicate (previous) charges and convictions. The possibility of additional charges and potential impact on your life makes hiring an experienced, local criminal defense lawyer incredibly important.

E. Stewart Jones is an award-winning law firm comprised of experienced and compassionate lawyers and professional legal staff ready to fight for you in every phase of vehicular charges.

Deciding Whether to Plead Guilty or Not Guilty to Vehicular Assault or Manslaughter

In a vehicular assault case, the prosecution (NY State) must prove that the defendant caused serious bodily injury to another person while operating a motor vehicle in violation of New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1192 (accusing the defendant of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting or talking on the phone).

In a vehicular manslaughter case, the prosecution (NY State) must prove that either the defendant was operating a motor vehicle in violation of Section 1192 and, as a result, caused the death of another person; or that the defendant otherwise met the requirements of Section 125.12 (accusing the defendant of intoxication and reckless operation of a vehicle, snowmobile or a vehicle weighing an excess of 18,000 pounds transporting hazardous materials). This would include death caused by driver distraction while texting or making phone calls while driving.

An experienced Criminal Defense Attorney will guide you through the plea process, advising you to make the correct statement, and being prepared to mount a strong defense to support that plea.

Our attorneys work very hard to negotiate toward charges being dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. If a conviction is unavoidable, they will fight to reduce prison time, fines, and penalties.

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Facing Vehicular Assault or Manslaughter Charges? Speak with our attorneys today.

E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy also represents clients with the following criminal charges:

Request a Free Phone Consultation or a confidential in-person meeting with an attorney at one of our convenient Capital Region offices in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs.

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • If I hire an attorney but do not want to go to trial, can I settle?
    In the course of preparing a case for trial, your personal injury attorney will work with the defense attorneys and insurance companies in an effort to secure a fair settlement for you and your family. The final decision to accept an offer of settlement or go to trial is yours alone to make.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.
  • If arrested, what steps can I take on my behalf?

    1. Do not discuss your situation with anyone except your attorney.

    2. Unless your attorney says otherwise, do not discuss your case with law enforcement.

    3. Request to have your attorney present if you are to be put in a lineup or subjected to testing.

    4. Remain calm and courteous. Allow your attorney to speak for you to ensure that your rights are protected and you are given all the benefits afforded to you under the law.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.

  • What is the difference between criminal procedure and civil procedure?
    When a crime has been committed, action is taken by a government agency against the person, persons, organization or other entity that violated the law. The first purpose of a criminal prosecution is punishment, which frequently consists of a fine or jail time. In a civil matter, the dispute is between two or more individuals or entities. The first purpose of a civil prosecution is obtaining compensation for the wronged person or entity. Settlement in a civil matter is generally an award of a money judgment. A criminal sentence is not imposed in a civil matter.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.