DUI: Vehicular Assault

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with severe repercussions. But when a DUI incident results in vehicular assault, the stakes are substantially higher. The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson works in legal defense against DUI vehicular assault in Tennessee, ensuring that your rights are protected. In this article, understand how critical vehicular assault and DUI in Tennessee are, the legal consequences, and why a DUI lawyer in Nashville, TN is essential.

What Is Vehicular Assault in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, vehicular assault is considered a Class D felony, and it occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and, as a result, causes serious bodily injury to another person. The legal definition of “serious bodily injury” is comprehensive and includes injuries that create a substantial risk of death, result in protracted disfigurement, or cause a significant or prolonged impairment of the function of any bodily organ or limb.

Vehicular assault is often a supplemental charge to DUI, meaning it is added on top of the DUI charges you may already be facing. This elevates the seriousness of the situation as you would now be dealing with multiple charges, each carrying its own set of penalties and legal ramifications.

The nature of vehicular assault conviction often requires the collection and presentation of specific evidence, such as toxicology reports, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction data. This evidence is crucial in proving that the driver was not only intoxicated but also that their impaired state directly resulted in serious bodily injury to another individual.

Consequences and Legal Penalties

The ramifications of a DUI vehicular assault conviction in Tennessee are far-reaching and can have a devastating impact on your life. Upon conviction, you could face a prison sentence that ranges from 2 to 12 years, depending on the severity of the injuries and your prior criminal history. In addition to incarceration, you could also incur substantial fines that can amount to up to $5,000.

Furthermore, a conviction for DUI vehicular assault will permanently remain on your criminal record. This can have a lasting impact on your future, affecting your employability in certain sectors and significantly increasing your insurance premiums. Some employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can make it challenging to secure a job, especially in fields that require professional licenses or security clearances.

Know Your Legal Defense Against a Vehicular Assault Conviction

In a DUI vehicular assault case in Tennessee, the prosecution must establish several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction, such as intoxication, serious bodily injury, causation, and operation of the vehicle. For instance, in terms of causation, there must be clear evidence that your intoxication directly resulted in the victim’s injuries.

Legal representation from a specialized DUI lawyer in Nashville, TN, can be the determining factor in your case. The Law Office of Bryan Stephenson provides the legal defense that you require during these trying times. Don’t jeopardize your future; contact us today for a free consultation.