“Vehicular crimes” come in a wide variety of case types and penalties. It can be a serious felony that carries life in prison, or a criminal traffic citation that can lead to fines and license suspension. Regardless of the level, if you face prosecution for a vehicular crime, you must take the charges seriously. These crimes have the potential to lead to prison or jail, the loss of your driver’s license, hefty fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Criminal charges that lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction can have a lifelong effect on your ability to find employment, housing, or schooling opportunities.
If you are in this position, it is crucial to call a Chandler vehicular crimes lawyer right away. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, our experienced defense attorneys are former prosecutors who will fight to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. When your freedom and way of life are at risk, you need dedicated representation on your side.
Vehicular crimes amount to more than just simple traffic violations and, accordingly, they carry hefty penalties. Those charged with any of the following common vehicular crimes should call our local attorneys immediately:
Under A.R.S. § 28-1381, a person may face criminal charges for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher or just being “impaired to the slightest degree”. Mandatory minimum penalties for first-time DUI convictions include ten days in jail (with up to nine suspended), various fees, and potential alcohol or drug classes. Maximum penalties include six months in jail, $2500 in fines, and five years of probation. They can result in an ignition interlock device requirement in your car, license suspensions, and more.
These penalties can increase drastically for higher BAC levels and prior DUI convictions. Anyone facing a DUI conviction in Chandler should reach out to at vehicular crimes lawyer at our firm for aggressive representation. Our team is lead by former DUI prosecutors who have handled thousands of DUI cases on both the prosecution and defense and know how to fight these charges.
Vehicular manslaughter falls under Arizona’s manslaughter laws at A.R.S. §13-1103. Vehicular manslaughter involves causing the death of another person with an automobile. For a conviction, the prosecution must only prove that the accused either behaved recklessly, or intentionally caused death in the heat of the moment. Knowingly and consciously disregarding safety, such as driving at extreme speeds or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, could constitute “reckless” driving under Arizona law.
Vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime with severe penalties, so those accused need the right attorney to aggressively defend against the charges. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our vehicular crimes lawyers are former prosecutors who know how to successfully find and exploit the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We are trial attorneys who are not afraid to go toe-to-toe in defending our clients.
Under A.R.S. § 13-1204, vehicular aggravated assault charges involve a person using their car to recklessly, knowingly and intentionally injure, scare, or threaten another person. This charge is commonly applied based on the allegation that the driver was operating the vehicle while intoxicated and caused injuries to others through their negligent behavior. Again, the prosecutor need only prove that the driver behaved “recklessly” by driving impaired. It would not be a defense that the injury or death to the other person was an accident, if it is proven that they drove while impaired. However, there are multiple defenses and nuanced arguments that we argue on behalf of our clients. In addition, we will present personal information about our clients in the plea negotiations process to give our clients the opportunity to plead guilty for a reduced penalty.
A.R.S. § 13-1201 outlines endangerment as knowingly or recklessly endanger another, with a substantial risk of bodily harm or death. This vehicular crimes charge may occur when someone is accused of using their vehicle to endanger another person.
However, the law here is vague, leaving it up to the prosecutor’s discretion. If the court believes there was a considerable risk that a person’s behavior behind the wheel could have caused an injury, these charges may be brought. To contest these allegations, accused Chandler residents should have a knowledgeable vehicular crimes lawyer on their side.
Under Arizona law, any driver involved in a car accident must remain on the scene and make a good faith effort to exchange information and/or get assistance if a party is injured. If the driver leaves the scene of an injury or damage-only accident, they may face serious criminal charges. Anyone accused of fleeing the scene of an accident should call an attorney at our Chandler office right away to begin preparing a defense for this vehicular crime. Some of our clients have left the scene of an accident and have not been found or accused by police, and we can guide them through the options of how to deal with their options.
If you are accused of a motor vehicle crime, your first priority should be to hire a seasoned attorney to protect your rights and way of life. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, a Chandler vehicular crimes lawyer can review your case and determine the most effective strategy for your particular circumstances. The sooner you reach out, the more time we will have to build a defense, so call us today to get started.