Vehicular aggravated assault is a serious crime in Arizona that can have major ramifications on your life as an alleged offender. It is the crime of recklessly or intentionally causing a car accident or injuring someone using your vehicle. You could be charged with vehicular assault even if the alleged victim did not sustain an injury. This crime can have severe penalties, including months or years of mandatory prison time.
You have a lot at risk if you’ve been arrested for the crime of vehicular aggravated assault in Tempe, Arizona. Your freedom, rights and future are at stake. Protect yourself as much as possible by hiring an experienced and skilled criminal defense lawyer in Tempe. The lawyers at Rosenstein Law Group can give you a strategic advantage and provide aggressive representation when you need it the most. Find out how we can help you with a vehicular aggravated assault case during a free initial consultation.
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference during your case. Not all attorneys are created equal. Some have more skill, years of experience and dedication to their clients than others. It is important to do your research and select the vehicular aggravated assault lawyer in Tempe that is best for your case. This is the only way to ensure the strength of your criminal defense strategy. Defendants choose Rosenstein Law Group for many reasons, including:
Rosenstein Law Group is the go-to law firm in Arizona for criminal defense. We handle all types of vehicle-related criminal cases in Tempe and cities in the greater Phoenix metro area. We provide unparalleled customer service and make ourselves available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions regarding your defense. We have the power to successfully defend you against either a misdemeanor or felony charge.
The crime of assault in Arizona is to knowingly, intentionally or recklessly cause an injury to another person; place another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate injury; or touch another person with intent to injure, insult or provoke the person (Arizona Revised Statute 13-1203). Under state law, it is possible to assault someone even without meaning to or without causing bodily injury.
Arizona Revised Statute 13-1204 states that an assault crime can be enhanced to aggravated assault if the actions described in Section 13-1203 are committed using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, if it results in serious physical injury to a victim, if the offender is 18 or older and the victim is under the age of 15, and in several other circumstances that make the crime more serious. Aggravated assault comes with more severe penalties and consequences than standard assault charges.
In Arizona, a motor vehicle is viewed as a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in the eyes of the law. This means that any type of injury or harm committed against a person while the offender is operating a motor vehicle will be charged as aggravated assault. Not only that, but vehicular aggravated assault is also charged as a “dangerous felony offense” in Arizona due to the dangerous nature of a motor vehicle – which results in mandatory prison time even if the defendant has no prior criminal record.
The penalties that you could face with a vehicular aggravated assault conviction in Tempe are severe. Vehicular aggravated assault that results in serious injuries is generally charged as a class 2 dangerous felony in Arizona. This comes with a presumptive prison sentence of 7 to 21 years if convicted. Even if serious injuries are not inflicted, this crime is typically classified as a class 3 dangerous felony, with a minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 15 years, as well as a fine of up to $100,000.
It is extremely important to hire a top-performing criminal defense lawyer to defend against vehicular aggravated assault charges in Tempe. The right lawyer will create the best legal defense available based on the circumstances of your case. The defenses available may include:
The basis of your defense during a vehicular assault case will depend on the circumstances. At Rosenstein Law Group, we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach to criminal defense or encourage all of our clients to take plea deals. Instead, we custom-tailor each defense strategy according to what will yield the best possible results.
Yes. Many serious car accidents involving driving under the influence (DUI) are charged as vehicular aggravated assault crimes. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a form of reckless conduct that satisfies the element of recklessness in Arizona’s definition of vehicular assault. Although each case is unique and charges can depend on several factors, you can generally expect a DUI with injury to be charged as vehicular assault. A Tempe DUI defense lawyer can explain your legal options and build a strong defense in your case.
Everyone makes mistakes. If your mistake or lapse in judgment has led to your arrest for vehicular aggravated assault, it is critical to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Tempe, Arizona now. The strength of your defense can make an enormous difference to the outcome of the criminal case against you. When you are facing serious potential penalties that can change your life, such as jail or prison time, hiring the right criminal defense lawyer is vital.
For years, clients in Arizona have trusted Rosenstein Law Group with their most high-stakes criminal defense cases. Find out how we can help you with a vehicular aggravated assault charge today. Request a free consultation by contacting us online or calling (480) 248-7666 anytime.