Q: What are the different types of Vehicular Assault charges in Ohio
A: In Ohio, there are three types of Vehicular Assault charges. The first is Aggravated Vehicular Assault. The second is Felony Vehicular Assault. The third is Misdemeanor Vehicular Assault. All three offenses involve operating a vehicle and causing serious physical harm to another person, but each offense is committed in a different way. Each offense also has different sentencing.
Q: What are the possible sentences for Aggravated Vehicular Assault in Ohio
A: In Ohio, the offense of Aggravated Vehicular Assault is committed when a person causes serious physical harm to another person as the proximate result of O perating a V ehicle under the I nfluence (OVI). This offense is a felony of the third degree, and the sentence includes a mandatory prison term which is at least one year and up to five years. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension which is at least two years and up to ten years. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the duration of the prison term, and the length of the license suspension. In addition, due to the Reagan Tokes Law, the prison term may be lengthened by up to 50% for misbehavior in prison.
Q: What are the possible sentences for Felony Vehicular Assault in Ohio
A: In Ohio, the offense of Felony Vehicular Assault is committed when a person causes serious physical harm to another person as the proximate result of operating a vehicle recklessly or committing a reckless operation offense in a construction zone. This offense is a felony of the fourth degree, and the sentence includes a prison term of up to 18 months. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension which is at least one year and up to five years. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the duration of the potential prison term, and the length of the license suspension.
Q: What are the possible sentences for Misdemeanor Vehicular Assault in Ohio
A: In Ohio, the offense of Misdemeanor Vehicular Assault is committed when a person causes serious physical harm to another person as the proximate result of speeding in a construction zone. This offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and the sentence includes incarceration for up to 180 days. The sentence also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension which is at least one year and up to five years. Certain factors elevate the level of the offense, the duration of the potential term of incarceration, and the length of the license suspension.
Q: Can a lawyer help minimize the sentence for Vehicular Assault in Ohio
A: Yes, a lawyer can help. The lawyer should take a two-part approach to the case. First, the lawyer should investigate the facts of the case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and take the case to trial, if appropriate. Second, the lawyer should develop a strategy for seeking a lenient sentence. Doing so often improves the outcome of the case.
The lawyers at the Dominy Law Firm represent clients for all types of Vehicular Assault in Columbus, Ohio and central Ohio. Our lawyers have expertise in this area. They wrote and edited the Ohio Vehicular Assault Guide. If you are facing a charge of Vehicular Assault in central Ohio and would like to discuss representation, you can schedule a free phone consultation by submitting a CONTACT FORM or by calling us at 614-717-1177.