Vehicular Assault Attorney In Clarksville

Facing A Vehicular Assault Charge In Tennessee

A vehicular assault charge in Tennessee is a serious felony that grows out of a crash where someone is badly hurt, and the state claims you were impaired or driving dangerously. If you are facing this, you are probably scared, confused, and unsure what will happen next.

I am a criminal defense attorney with Runyon & Runyon, and I defend people charged with serious driving offenses, including vehicular assault, here in the area. I help clients understand the charges, what the state has to prove, and what options they realistically have in court. When you contact my office, you speak with me about your case. I work to protect your rights in Clarksville and Montgomery County courts, explain each step before it happens, and focus on your future, not just the next court date. You do not have to try to navigate this alone.

Call (931) 805-4445 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Act Quickly After Arrest

After a vehicular assault arrest, things often move faster than people expect. You may have already gone through booking, made bond, and been given a court date in a Montgomery County courtroom. You might also be hearing from investigators, insurance companies, or other lawyers involved in the crash.

What you say and do in these first days can significantly affect your case. Speaking to police or an insurance adjuster without legal advice, posting about the incident online, or trying to explain yourself to the other side can all create statements that later appear in a prosecutor’s file. Once those statements are made, they are very hard to take back. If you contact me soon after an arrest, I can review the charging documents with you, explain what will likely happen at your first appearance, and help you prepare. I can also advise you about whom you should and should not talk to about the case. My goal is to help you avoid mistakes and to make sure your side of the story is heard accurately and at the right time. For many clients, having someone who understands how vehicular assault cases are handled in Clarksville takes some of the fear out of the unknown. You do not have to wait until the eve of court to get answers. Early guidance often gives you more options later.

Defense Focused Vehicular Assault Criminal Defense

My practice is focused on criminal defense, and a large part of my work involves serious driving offenses, including DUI-related cases and vehicular assault charges. These cases are different from a simple traffic ticket. The stakes include your freedom, your record, and often your ability to drive and work.

When you hire me, you work directly with the lawyer who will be standing next to you in court. I meet with you myself, get to know your concerns and goals, and stay your main point of contact. This one-on-one approach helps me tailor the defense to the facts of your case and to what matters most in your life.

In building a defense, I look at how the crash was investigated, what the officers observed at the scene, and how any field sobriety tests were conducted. I also carefully review any blood or breath testing, the medical records that describe the injuries, and statements from witnesses. My focus is on finding weaknesses in the state’s proof and making sure the court sees you as a person, not just a file number. Because I regularly appear in Montgomery County courts, I understand how cases tend to move there and the procedures judges expect us to follow. That local knowledge helps me give you more specific guidance about timelines, hearings, and what to expect from the process, while still recognizing that every case is different.

Tennessee Vehicular Assault Charges Explained

To make good decisions about your case, you need to understand what the state is accusing you of. In Tennessee, vehicular assault generally involves a serious bodily injury that occurs in a crash where the driver is alleged to have been impaired by alcohol or drugs, or driving in a way that the law considers reckless. The exact legal definition is technical, but the core idea is a seriously injured person and a claim that your driving caused it.

Vehicular assault is a felony offense. That means a conviction can bring the possibility of time in custody, probation, substantial fines, and a criminal record that does not simply go away. In addition, Tennessee law often brings license consequences in these cases, which can affect your ability to drive to work, school, or family obligations.

Some situations can make the risks higher. Prior DUI convictions, allegations of a very high blood alcohol level, or injuries to more than one person can all influence how a prosecutor views the case and what penalties a judge might consider. On the other hand, the specific facts of the crash, the seriousness of the injuries, and your own history also matter. A felony record for vehicular assault can affect more than just court sentencing. It can appear in background checks for jobs and housing, affect professional licenses, and raise questions for military service or certain government positions. Insurance companies may also treat a conviction harshly for years to come.

Some of the main potential consequences of a vehicular assault conviction include:

• Felony sentencing that may involve custody, probation, or both
• Driver’s license suspension or significant restrictions on driving
• Substantial fines, court costs, and possible restitution
• A permanent criminal record that appears on background checks
• Increased insurance costs and difficulty obtaining coverage

My role is to help you understand these possibilities in the context of your specific case. I explain how Tennessee law applies to your facts, so you are not left guessing about what is at stake when you decide how to move forward.

How I Build A Vehicular Assault Defense

Although no two cases are exactly alike, there is a structured way I approach vehicular assault defense. It starts with listening to you. I want to hear, in your own words, what happened that day, what you remember about the crash, and any medical or personal issues that might have played a role. Your perspective often points to issues that do not appear in a police report.

Next, I review the reports, citations, and charging documents. I look closely at why the officer says you were stopped, how the investigation unfolded at the scene, and what claims are made about impairment or reckless driving. If there were field sobriety tests, I would consider where and how they were given. If there were a blood or breath test, I would examine how it was collected, handled, and reported.

I also pay attention to the injury side of the case. The degree of injury often affects both the charge and how the case is treated in court. I review available medical records and any photographs that may exist. When appropriate, I talk with you about possible witnesses or documents that could help provide context, such as weather conditions or mechanical issues. As your case moves through the Clarksville courts, I prepare you for each appearance. We discuss what will likely happen at that hearing, what choices may be on the table, and what information you need to make those choices. Sometimes that involves considering plea negotiations. Other times it involves preparing to challenge evidence more directly. At each point, I work to protect your rights and to move toward the best outcome that the facts and law may allow.

You should not have to make decisions about your case based on guesswork or rumors from other people. If you have been charged with vehicular assault, you can contact me to talk through your specific situation and learn how this defense process would apply to you.

What To Do After Vehicular Assault Charges

Being charged with vehicular assault can make everyday life feel out of control. You may be worried about family, work, and the possibility of jail, all at the same time. While you cannot change the past, there are concrete steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your case.

Consider taking these actions as soon as you can:

• Follow all bond and release conditions from the court, including any limits on driving or alcohol use.
• Avoid talking about the case on social media or with anyone other than your attorney and close family.
• Keep copies of any paperwork you receive, and save names and contact information for potential witnesses.
• Do not speak to police, investigators, or insurance adjusters about fault or impairment without legal advice.
• Contact a vehicular assault defense lawyer in Clarksville promptly so you can get specific guidance for your situation.

Each of these steps can help avoid making the situation worse and preserve information that may matter later. When you work with me, I walk you through what the court expects, help you understand any restrictions, and answer your questions as they come up. Early communication often makes the rest of the case feel more manageable. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reaching out for legal help is often the first step toward regaining some control. You do not have to have every detail sorted out before you call. My role is to help you sort through those details and decide what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for vehicular assault?

Jail or prison time is possible because vehicular assault is a felony, but it is not automatic. Outcomes depend on the facts, injury level, prior record, and how the case is handled. My job is to explain your specific risk and work to limit the penalties you face.

What happens at my first court date in Clarksville?

The first court date in a Clarksville courtroom is usually brief. The judge confirms your charges, addresses bond or conditions, and may schedule future dates. I prepare clients for what to say, where to go, and what to expect so they are not caught off guard.

Will I lose my driver’s license after these charges?

Vehicular assault charges often carry license consequences, especially when alcohol or drugs are alleged. The exact impact depends on the charge, test results, and prior history. I explain how the criminal case and license issues interact and discuss options that may help preserve limited driving when possible.

How do you keep me updated about my case?

I handle your case myself and stay in direct contact. I explain upcoming court dates in advance, review any new developments with you, and respond to your questions as they arise. My goal is for you to understand what is happening and why at each stage.

When should I contact a vehicular assault lawyer in Clarksville?

You should contact a vehicular assault attorney in Clarksville as soon as you know you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early advice can help you avoid harmful statements, understand bond conditions, and prepare for the first court date. I offer confidential consultations to discuss your situation and next steps.

Talk With A Lawyer About Your Vehicular Assault Case

If you are facing a vehicular assault charge, you do not have to face the court system on your own. I work to protect your rights, explain Tennessee law in plain language, and guide you through each hearing in Clarksville with a clear plan. When you contact Runyon & Runyon, you speak directly with the attorney who will handle your case. There is no obligation just to ask questions, and the conversation is confidential. Taking that first step can help you understand where you stand and what options you may have.

To discuss your vehicular assault case, call (931) 805-4445 today.