Clermont Vehicular Assault Attorney

Accused of Harming Someone While Driving Your Vehicle? Let Us Defend You!

If you have been charged with vehicular assault in Florida, the stakes are high. A conviction can lead to serious prison time, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your driving privileges. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals accused of vehicular assault in Clermont, FL, and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and help you work toward the best possible outcome.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

What is Considered Vehicular Assault in Florida?

In Florida, “vehicular assault” is not the official legal term used in the statutes, but it is commonly used to describe situations where someone uses a vehicle to intentionally or recklessly cause harm to another person. Under Florida law, these charges may be prosecuted as:

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Vehicle) – If the prosecution believes you intentionally used a vehicle to threaten or harm another person, the vehicle can be considered a “deadly weapon.”
• Vehicular Homicide or Reckless Driving with Injury – If serious bodily harm results from reckless driving, you may face a felony charge even if there was no intent to injure.
• DUI with Serious Bodily Injury – Driving under the influence and causing severe injury can be prosecuted as a second-degree felony.

For a charge to qualify as vehicular assault, prosecutors typically must prove intent or reckless disregard for human life. This could include road rage incidents, high-speed chases, or intentionally striking another vehicle or pedestrian.

Criminal Penalties for Vehicular Assault

The penalties for vehicular assault in Florida vary depending on the facts of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the act was intentional or reckless. Convictions can carry life-changing consequences, including:

Felony Classification

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Typically a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• Vehicular Homicide – A second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine; first-degree felony if you leave the scene, with up to 30 years in prison.
• DUI with Serious Bodily Injury – A third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison, license revocation, and fines.

Additional Consequences

• Permanent criminal record
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Increased insurance premiums
• Loss of employment opportunities
• Civil lawsuits from injured parties

Because Florida takes violent crimes involving vehicles seriously, prosecutors often push for maximum penalties—making it essential to have a skilled Clermont vehicular assault lawyer by your side.

Legal Defenses to Vehicular Assault Charges

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we know that every case has two sides. Our defense strategy will depend on the unique facts of your situation, but common defenses to vehicular assault charges include:

• Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove intent (in intentional assault cases) or reckless disregard for human life. If the incident was a true accident or due to an unforeseeable event (like a medical emergency), we can argue against the intent element.
• Mistaken Identity: In chaotic situations like hit-and-run or road rage cases, witnesses can misidentify the driver. Surveillance footage, dashcam video, or forensic evidence can be used to challenge the identification.
• Insufficient Evidence: If there is no clear proof—such as video evidence, reliable eyewitness testimony, or expert accident reconstruction—the prosecution’s case may be too weak to convict.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If you used your vehicle to avoid imminent harm to yourself or someone else, your actions might be legally justified.
• Police Misconduct or Procedural Errors: If law enforcement violated your rights—such as conducting an unlawful traffic stop or mishandling evidence—the case may be dismissed or reduced.

We carefully review accident reports, witness statements, bodycam footage, and expert testimony to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Vehicle Assault FAQs

Is vehicular assault a felony in Florida?

Yes, in most cases vehicular assault is prosecuted as a felony, especially if it involves serious injury or intent to harm.

Can I be charged with vehicular assault if I didn’t mean to hit someone?

Yes. If prosecutors believe your driving was reckless and caused injury, intent may not be required for certain charges like reckless driving with serious bodily injury.

What if alcohol or drugs were involved?

If you were under the influence at the time of the incident, you could face DUI with serious bodily injury charges, which carry severe felony penalties.

Will I lose my driver’s license?

In many cases, yes. A conviction often leads to suspension or permanent revocation, depending on the severity of the offense.

How can a Clermont vehicular assault lawyer help me?

An experienced defense attorney can investigate your case, challenge the evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or fight for an acquittal at trial.

Contact a Clermont Vehicular Assault Lawyer Today

If you’re facing vehicular assault charges in Clermont, FL, your future and freedom are on the line. The sooner you contact a skilled defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing a favorable outcome. The Law Offices of Justin Rickmanoffers the dedicated legal representation you need to fight back against serious accusations.

Call us at (888) 835-5840 to schedule a consultation.