Defense for Major Vehicular Offenses in Pennsylvania: Protect Your Rights

If you are facing charges for a serious vehicular offense under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side. I have successfully defended clients charged with major vehicular crimes, including securing a not guilty verdict following a jury trial for vehicular homicide. These cases can have life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. With years of experience representing individuals accused of vehicular offenses, I am prepared to fight for your rights and defend your future.

Major Vehicular Offenses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law treats major vehicular offenses with the utmost seriousness, particularly when the charges involve injury or death. Some of the most severe charges include:

• Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (18 Pa.C.S. § 3732.1): A person can be charged with this offense if they recklessly or negligently cause serious bodily injury to another person through a violation of any traffic law. This is typically graded as a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and significant fines.
• Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI (75 Pa.C.S. § 3735.1): This charge is more serious when it involves driving under the influence (DUI). If a person causes serious bodily injury while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be charged with a felony of the second degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
• Homicide by Vehicle (75 Pa.C.S. § 3732): This offense occurs when a person’s reckless or grossly negligent driving causes the death of another person. It is typically graded as a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
• Homicide by Vehicle While DUI (75 Pa.C.S. § 3735): This is one of the most severe vehicular offenses. If a person causes the death of another while driving under the influence, it is graded as a second-degree felony and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years per victim, with a maximum of 10 years per count.
• Vehicular Manslaughter: In certain circumstances, individuals charged with these offenses can also face charges of manslaughter, particularly if their actions are found to be reckless or grossly negligent.

These charges are not only life-altering due to their severity, but they also carry significant social stigma. It is essential to have an experienced attorney who can challenge the evidence and ensure the prosecution meets the high burden of proof required for conviction.

The Impact of Alcohol or Drug Involvement on Vehicular Offenses

One of the most critical factors in major vehicular offenses is whether alcohol or drugs were involved. When alcohol or drug use is a factor, it increases both the seriousness of the charge and the penalties involved.

In cases where alcohol or drugs are involved, the level of culpability required for conviction can shift. Typically, for charges like aggravated assault by vehicle or homicide by vehicle, the prosecution must prove that the defendant acted recklessly—meaning they knew their actions posed a substantial risk to others and disregarded that risk.

However, when alcohol or drug use is involved, the standard of culpability can often be reduced to negligence, which means the defendant failed to be aware of the risks their conduct posed. This makes it easier for the prosecution to secure a conviction and leads to harsher sentencing.

For example, in Homicide by Vehicle While DUI, the state does not need to prove that you acted recklessly. Instead, the fact that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and caused a fatal accident is often enough to secure a conviction. The same applies to Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI, where the involvement of drugs or alcohol can elevate the charge to a felony of the second degree, regardless of whether your actions were reckless or merely negligent.

Proven Success in Major Vehicular Offense Cases

My firm has a strong track record of defending individuals facing the most serious vehicular offenses. One of the highlights of my career was securing a not guilty verdict after a jury trial for a client charged with vehicular homicide. This was a complex and highly contested case, but through a thorough investigation, expert witness testimony, and strategic cross-examination, we were able to establish reasonable doubt and protect my client’s future.

I understand the devastating impact that these charges can have on your life, and I am committed to providing you with the strongest defense possible. Whether you are facing charges for aggravated assault by vehicle, vehicular homicide, or a DUI-related offense, I have the experience and knowledge necessary to fight for your rights.