Serving Harrisburg, PA Since 2019
Vehicular Assault Attorney in Harrisburg
Defending Clients Facing Aggravated Assault by Vehicle Charges In Central Pennsylvania
Being accused of causing serious injury with your vehicle can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be facing felony charges, possible jail time, and losing your license, all while you are still trying to process what happened. If you are looking for a vehicular assault attorney in Harrisburg, you are in the right place.
At The Dorward Law Firm, we focus our entire practice on criminal defense and have spent more than a decade defending people in Harrisburg and across Central Pennsylvania. We understand how quickly a traffic incident can become a criminal investigation and how frightening it is to be treated as a suspect.
Our goal is to protect your rights, explain your options in plain language, and help you make decisions that safeguard your future. You do not have to face this alone. Our team offers free consultations, so you can talk with us about what happened, what charges you are facing, and what may come next.
Reach out to The Dorward Law Firm online or call (717) 429-0411 at any time. We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations with a vehicular assault lawyer in Harrisburg.
Understanding Vehicular Assault Laws in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, "vehicular assault" is formally prosecuted under two primary statutes depending on whether alcohol or drugs were involved. Both charges are serious felonies that require the Commonwealth to prove more than just a simple mistake behind the wheel.
- Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3732.1): This charge applies when a person recklessly or with gross negligence causes serious bodily injury to another person while violating any law or municipal ordinance (such as speeding or texting while driving). It is classified as a Felony of the Third Degree.
- Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI (75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3735.1): This is a significantly more severe charge. It occurs when a person negligently causes serious bodily injury as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. This is classified as a Felony of the Second Degree.
The legal definition of "serious bodily injury" is a critical component in these cases. Pennsylvania defines it as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious, permanent disfigurement or the protracted loss or impairment of any bodily member or organ.
Our firm meticulously examines medical records to determine if the alleged injuries actually meet this high legal threshold, as the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony often hinges on this single definition.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle in Harrisburg
The penalties for vehicular assault in Pennsylvania are designed to be severe, reflecting the Commonwealth’s stance on road safety and victim impact.
Criminal Penalties
- Third-Degree Felony (Standard Vehicular Assault): Punishment can include up to 7 years in prison and fines reaching $15,000. If the accident occurred in an active work zone, the law allows for an additional 2 years of confinement.
- Second-Degree Felony (Vehicular Assault While DUI): This carries a maximum of 10 years in state prison and fines up to $25,000.
Collateral Consequences
The "hidden" costs of a conviction are often just as damaging as the time spent behind bars:
- Driver's License Revocation: A conviction will result in a mandatory and lengthy suspension of your driving privileges, often for at least one year.
- Professional Impact: Harrisburg is a hub for state government and logistics. A felony conviction can lead to the loss of professional licenses, security clearances, and commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).
- Civil Liability: A criminal conviction can be used as evidence in a civil personal injury lawsuit, potentially leading to massive financial judgments against you.
- Criminal Record: As a convicted felon, you will lose your right to own or possess a firearm and may find it difficult to secure housing or traditional financing.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Vehicular Assault Defense in Harrisburg
At The Dorward Law Firm, we don't just wait for the prosecution to present their case; we conduct our own independent investigation. Our approach to defending vehicular assault in Harrisburg includes:
- Independent Accident Reconstruction: We work with forensic engineers to re-calculate speeds, impact angles, and braking distances. Often, our experts find that the police overestimated a client's speed or ignored environmental factors like sun glare or black ice.
- Challenging Forensic Evidence: In DUI-related cases, we scrutinize the lab's handling of blood samples. Any gap in the "chain of custody" or a failure to properly calibrate laboratory equipment can render the results inadmissible.
- The "Contributory Negligence" Defense: We look for evidence that the other party’s actions contributed to the accident. If the victim was speeding, failed to use a turn signal, or was otherwise negligent, it can cast reasonable doubt on your criminal liability.
- Medical Record Audits: We hire medical experts to review the victim's injuries. If the injury is not "permanent" or "life-threatening," we fight to have the felony charges dropped to a lower-level offense.
Why Choose Our Aggravated Assault by Vehicle Attorneys
Vehicular assault cases are complex, often involving serious accidents, allegations of reckless driving or DUI, and technical evidence like crash reconstruction or chemical testing. A focused criminal defense practice matters in these situations. By working exclusively in criminal law, the defense team stays deeply familiar with the statutes, procedures, and court practices that directly shape how these cases are investigated and prosecuted.
Attorney Shawn Dorward brings specialized DUI-related training that strengthens the firm’s approach to vehicular assault cases involving alleged impairment. His education through organizations such as the American Chemical Society allows the team to closely examine blood and breath testing procedures, equipment maintenance, and reported results. This scientific background helps determine whether test evidence is reliable and whether it truly supports the allegations.
With deep roots in Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania, the firm understands how vehicular assault cases move through local courts, including Dauphin County. Familiarity with prosecutors, judges, and courtroom expectations helps clients prepare for what lies ahead. The team also works with trusted expert witnesses when needed and emphasizes respectful, clear communication, recognizing the personal stress these cases place on clients and their families.
Protect your future and your freedom by calling a Harrisburg vehicular assault attorney today. At The Dorward Law Firm, we provide free consultations and are available 24/7 to take your call. Dial (717) 429-0411 or contact us through our online form.
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He constantly gave me updates as he fought and negotiated with every member of the district court: including the assistant DA, lead DA, judge, and even my arresting officer.- Marc
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It’s a well known fact that you get what you pay for, but a loss of license, loss of job, and jail time would have cost me a lot more.- Curt
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"I was confronted with a DUI for taking prescription meds 2 days before."
Shawn is a very personable and intelligent attorney. I was confronted with a DUI for taking perscription meds 2 days before. It seemed ludicrous but it was being pushed to the limit. In the end after 18mo a not guilty verdict was handed down. I originally questioned hiring an attorney of his caliber but I am fortunate that I had.
- Dexter -
"Wonderful and upfront. Prompt and very very personable"
Shawn was my lawyer for a DUI case, in which I was charged with a General Impairment DUI after a car accident that was precipitated by bald tires, not alcohol. I had been drinking, but my BAC was under legal limit. I was still charged with a "General Impairment" DUI. There were a lot of issues, and Shawn helped me with every one of them. My charges were brought down to summary offenses. Wonderful and upfront. Prompt and very very personable. I was very happy with Shawn. He works very hard for you!
- Zach
What To Do After An Arrest
After an arrest for a serious driving offense, the situation can feel overwhelming and fast-moving. What you say and do in the early hours and days can significantly affect your case. Speaking with a qualified vehicular assault defense lawyer as soon as possible helps protect your rights, avoid common mistakes, and put a plan in place before the legal process advances.
Key steps to keep in mind after an arrest include:
- Exercise your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering detailed questions about the incident.
- Limit discussions: Avoid discussing the case with police, insurance companies, other drivers, or on social media, as statements can later be used as evidence.
- Review your paperwork: Pay close attention to charging documents and court dates, including any scheduled preliminary hearings.
- Act promptly: Court proceedings can move quickly, especially in serious cases, so early legal guidance is critical.
- Get support: A defense team can communicate with the court and prosecutors, explain each step of the process, and work to protect your license, record, and freedom.
Defenses We May Pursue Against Aggravated Assault by Vehicle Charges in Harrisburg
Aggravated assault by vehicle cases depend heavily on the specific facts, including how the crash occurred, the nature of the injuries, and the quality of the investigation. A strong defense begins with a detailed review of accident evidence such as photographs, witness statements, road conditions, and the actions of other drivers. When necessary, accident reconstruction experts may be consulted to challenge causation and the prosecution’s account.
When DUI allegations are involved, the defense closely examines every step leading to chemical test results, from the initial stop to testing procedures. Officers’ observations and statements are also reviewed for accuracy, especially where medical issues or injuries may mimic impairment. The focus remains on testing the reliability of the evidence and holding the prosecution to its burden of proof.
When we evaluate a vehicular assault case, we often explore questions such as:
- Was the initial stop or investigation conducted lawfully and supported by specific facts?
- Did other drivers, road conditions, or unexpected events contribute to the crash?
- Were field sobriety tests administered and interpreted according to accepted standards?
- Did the lab or hospital follow required procedures for collecting, storing, and testing blood samples?
- Do the medical records and injury descriptions match the level of harm alleged in the charges?
The answers to these and other questions guide how we approach negotiations and, when necessary, how we present your case in court. Our aim is to protect your rights at every stage and pursue the best outcome the facts allow.
To talk with our team about your situation and learn how we may be able to help, contact us for a free consultation. Call (717) 429-0411 to schedule your confidential consultation today.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
The Dorward Law Firm is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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We are specifically trained in DUI defense. Visit our bio to learn more!
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We offer payment plans for your convenience.
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Over 10 years of legal experience defending the accused.
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We make ourselves available whenever you need us.