Serious injury or death to another person in a motor vehicle accident can quickly turn into a criminal case against you. A Logan, OH vehicular homicide and assault lawyer can protect and defend your rights during the criminal proceedings that follow a deadly car accident. No matter how serious the allegation is, you deserve experienced legal representation when facing criminal charges.
My mission is to help you resolve your case through open communication and well-informed decisions. Always demand the presence of a committed OVI defense lawyer after an arrest or during police questioning, and refrain from any other communication until I arrive. You can contact my office today to schedule a free case consultation.
Vehicular homicide and assault are two criminal charges under Ohio Criminal Code § 2903.06 and § 2903.08 that vary depending on if the victim’s outcome is death or serious physical harm. However, these charges are similar because they apply when a person causes injury or death to another while operating motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise driving recklessly. The reckless operation of a motor vehicle can refer to a wide range of activities that show either a willful disregard for the safety of others or that do not meet the standard of care a reasonable person would provide. In most cases, these acts will arise from common traffic violations, such as speeding, distracted driving, or disobeying traffic signs.
The severity of a vehicular homicide or assault charge in Logan can also vary depending on the circumstances. Conviction for vehicular homicide classifies as a second-degree felony for deaths that result from an OVI offense. In comparison, vehicular homicide can also be a first- or second-degree misdemeanor in cases where the cause of the death came from minor traffic violations or negligent driving. A defendant’s prior criminal record for related offenses can further increase the classification and punishment of a recent vehicular homicide or assault charge.
Motor vehicle accidents that end in the serious injury or death to another are difficult situations filled with intense emotions. However, that does not mean you must be considered guilty under the law. During an initial meeting, a Logan vehicular homicide and assault lawyer can review the events of your case and help you understand why the specific charges are bring brought. This process is important for determining how you would like to respond to the charges.
My job is to evaluate the case for valid defenses that could justify a dismissal or reduction of the charges. The defenses in a vehicular homicide or assault case often center around other potential causes of the accident. Fault for the accident could primarily belong to another driver or even to the person who was harmed. For example, an accident involving an injured pedestrian may have been the result of jaywalking and not driver negligence.
I can also attempt to mitigate the severity of a charge by highlighting key facts that demonstrate the cause of an accident was negligence and not reckless misconduct, which could remove the criminal element.
You are not alone after a serious motor vehicle accident leads to an arrest. Meet with an experienced Logan vehicular homicide and assault lawyer who will protect your right to a fair criminal defense process. Even when someone was seriously hurt by the incident, it does not always mean it should rise to the level of a criminal charge. Schedule a free consultation by contacting my office today.
Client was accused of being under the influence of narcotics. Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) was successfully challenged.
