Physics is not in favor of a person in a passenger vehicle that crashes with an 18-wheeler. So when a Tennessee woman recently walked away from a wrong-way collision with a tractor-trailer on an interstate highway, she undoubtedly defied physics and all odds.
Her good luck ended there, however. The 24-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after law enforcement officers said they detected the smell of alcohol coming from her and that she then failed a sobriety test.
According to a news report, the truck driver suffered minor injuries.
If his injuries had been more serious, it’s possible that she would have charged with vehicular assault. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security says on its website that a DUI driver who causes serious injury to another person can face this Class D felony charge.
Punishment for conviction can mean that you could be sentenced to serve from two to five years in jail. Conviction can also mean that your driver’s license can be revoked from one to five years, depending on circumstances in any past offenses. Note: if you’re convicted of vehicular assault, you are not eligible to obtain a restricted driver’s license.
The impact that could have on a job or academic pursuits here in Chattanooga is undoubtedly clear.
In some cases involving DUI and serious injuries, a charge of aggravated vehicular assault (a Class A felony) can be filed if the accused has a history of DUI arrests involving a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .20 percent or more. Other aggravating factors can also be present in these cases.
If you have been charged with DUI, vehicular assault or aggravated vehicular assault, you should contact a Chattanooga criminal defense attorney experienced in protecting rights and freedom.
