DUI vehicular crimes are considered quite serious and are classified as felonies. Some states have a Vehicular Crimes Unit that is responsible for prosecuting all felony vehicular crimes. Their goal is to effectively prosecute those charged with a DUI vehicular crime so they can reduce the number of vehicular crime incidents.
What is a DUI Vehicular crime?
An auto accident that results in injury or death of another person and involves the use of alcohol or drugs, causing impairment, is considered a serious criminal offense. Aggravating factors like having a minor in the vehicle, or leaving the scene of the accident will carry additional charges. Vehicular crimes, including assaults and manslaughter, are viewed and prosecuted seriously. In fact, they are considered as serious as shooting or killing someone with a handgun.
Although most states will view vehicular crimes as accidents, states like Arizona prosecute cases of reckless driving very aggressively. This means that the negligent driver will be convicted and face serious consequences. Some of the possible penalties include loss of driving privileges, heavy fines and fees, community service, counseling, as well as imprisonment.
What constitutes a vehicular crime?
Some of the possible vehicular crimes someone can be charged with include endangerment, unlawful flight, negligent homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, vehicular aggravated assault, as well as leaving the scene of an accident.
Once convicted for a vehicular crime, it will have an impact on your personal and well as work life. No matter the type of vehicular crime you’re facing, it is important to get in touch with an experienced and qualified attorney, who is able to handle a wide range of vehicular crimes, from misdemeanors to felonies.
Vehicular crimes in Arizona
Vehicular crimes are defined as follows under the Arizona Revised Statutes:
- A.R.S. § 13-1102 (Negligent Homicide) – When a driver fails to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk, which a reasonable person clearly would have, then the driver is charged with negligent homicide.
- A.R.S. § 13-1204 (Aggravated Assault) – When a driver causes recklessly serious physical injury to another person, then they may be charged with aggravated assault.
- A.R.S. § 13-1201 (Endangerment) – When a driver recklessly endangers another person with a substantial risk of imminent death or personal injury, they will face an additional felony charge of endangerment.
- A.R.S. § 28-661 (Leaving the Scene of an Accident) – If the driver has been part of an auto accident causing injury or death and knowingly fails to stop to give assistance, they will face a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident.
Anyone involved in an auto accident in Arizona can face criminal charges. Vehicular crimes in Arizona are taken very seriously and lead to harsh penalties. Once convicted, the driver faces lengthy prison sentence. When facing a vehicular crime in Arizona, you will need the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can evaluate your case and fight the charges. Contact DM Cantor at (602) 307-0808 to discuss your case and get honest advice on the options available.