New York Penal Law § 120.04 – Vehicular Assault in the First Degree

Dedicated New York Criminal Defense Attorneys Aggressively Defending the Rights of Clients Charged with Vehicle Crimes

Vehicular Assault in the First Degree is a crime that harshly punishes certain conduct that causes another person to suffer serious bodily injury caused by impaired driving. Vehicular Assault in the First Degree is more serious than Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree but less serious than Aggravated Vehicular Assault. Vehicular Assault in the First Degree is a Class D felony.

The Elements of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree

Before a judge or jury can convict anyone of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, the government must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The elements of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree are:

  1. The defendant committed Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree; and
  2. One or more of the following apply:
    1. The defendant’s blood-alcohol content was .18 or more;
    2. The defendant knew his license was suspended or revoked based on a previous DUI conviction or refusal;
    3. The defendant has a DUI conviction within the past 10 years;
    4. The defendant’s conduct resulted in injury to more than one person;
    5. The defendant has a prior Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide conviction;
    6. The defendant’s conduct resulted in a passenger under 15 experiencing serious physical injury;
    7. A defendant who is 16 or older causes serious injury to someone 15 or younger while operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Under § 120.04, “serious physical injury” involves an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes disfigurement or long-term impairment of a bodily function or organ.

Examples of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree

Some of the most common examples of vehicular assault in the First Degree include the following:

  • Causing a DUI accident that serious injures another person while your BAC is .18 or more;
  • Causing a DUI accident resulting in serious injury to another person while your license is suspended;
  • Causing an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, resulting in two passengers in your vehicle suffering serious physical injury;
  • Causing a DUI accident that seriously injured a child 15 years old or younger.

Related Offenses to NY Penal Law § 120.04

In many vehicular assault cases, the government will bring several related charges. This can significantly increase your exposure. Some of the offenses prosecutors most frequently bring along with Vehicular Assault in the First Degree include the following:

  • Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree – N.Y. Penal Law § 120.03
  • Aggravated Vehicular Assault – N.Y. Penal Law § 120.04-a
  • Driving While Ability Impaired By Drugs – N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1192(4)
  • Driving While Intoxicated – N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1192(3)
  • Driving While Intoxicated Per Se – N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1192(2)
  • Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated Per Se – N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1192(2-a)
  • Driving While Ability Impaired By Alcohol – N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1192(1)

What Are the Defenses to Vehicular Assault in the First Degree?

There are many defenses to Vehicular Assault in the First Degree that can either reduce your sentencing exposure or result in the prosecution withdrawing the case against you or the jury returning a “not guilty” verdict. Many of these defenses attack the underlying charges of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, such as:

  • Drugs or alcohol did not impact your ability to drive, assuming there was no chemical test evidence;
  • You were not “operating” the vehicle;
  • Officers violated your rights when investigating the accident;
  • The alleged victim did not experience “serious physical injury”; and
  • Law enforcement made an error in taking or processing your blood or breath sample.

What Are the Penalties for Violating NY Penal Law § 120.04?

Vehicular Assault in the First Degree is a Class D felony. In New York, a Class E felony offense carries a maximum sentence of up to seven years of incarceration as well as a fine of up to $5,000. These punishments are in addition to any penalties you face as a result of the underlying DUI conviction. However, you cannot be convicted of Vehicular Assault in the First and Second Degree.

Discuss Your Case with a Knowledgeable New York Vehicular Assault Lawyer Today

If you were recently arrested for Vehicular Assault in the 1st Degree, the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Tilem & Associates are here to help. At Tilem & Associates, P.C., our team of DUI defense lawyers has extensive, hands-on experience defending clients charged with all types of impaired driving offenses, including DUI Accidents and Vehicular Assault. We are immediately available to meet with you to get started working on a compelling defense to the charges you face. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 877-377-8666. You can also reach us through our online contact form.

Client Reviews

Thank you again for discussing my case with today. I can not stress enough how impressed I am with your services as an attorney. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to attempt to help me. Thank you again and best wishes.

Rob

I am writing to send you my heartfelt thanks for your work on my father’s case. You are a wonderful attorney. I was very impressed by you from our first meeting. I am so grateful we were referred to you. If I can ever be of help in providing a reference or anything else, please let me know.

Joanna

I wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me in the last several months. You made this very difficult ordeal in my life less stressful and easier to bear. I am grateful for having you as my attorney and I truly feel that you helped me above my expectations. I appreciate...

W.S.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Over 25 Years Experience
Fill out the contact form or call us at 877-377-8666 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Online Payments Available

Pre-Paid Legal Service for Gun Owners