Seattle Vehicular Assault & DUI Injury Lawyer

When a DUI allegation involves serious injury or death, the charges escalate from a gross misdemeanor to a felony offense. In Washington, drivers accused of causing serious bodily harm while under the influence can face vehicular assault charges. If a death occurs, the charge may be vehicular homicide.

These are extremely serious felony offenses that carry long-term prison exposure and life-altering consequences. Immediate legal representation is critical.

Washington Vehicular Assault Law (RCW 46.61.522)

Under RCW 46.61.522, a person commits vehicular assault if they operate a motor vehicle:

  • While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (as defined in RCW 46.61.502), and
  • Cause substantial bodily harm to another person.

The prosecution must prove both impairment and causation beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Must the Prosecution Prove?

To secure a conviction for DUI-related vehicular assault, the State must establish:

  • Impairment: The driver was under the influence as defined by Washington DUI law (BAC 0.08+, THC 5.00+, or actual impairment).
  • Causation: The driver's impaired driving directly caused the injury.
  • Substantial Bodily Harm: The injury meets the statutory definition.

Under RCW 9A.04.110, “substantial bodily harm” includes:

  • Temporary but substantial disfigurement
  • Temporary but substantial loss or impairment of a body part or organ
  • A fracture of any bodily part

Not every accident involving alcohol automatically qualifies. Causation and the level of injury are heavily litigated issues in these cases.

Vehicular Homicide (When a Fatality Occurs)

If a DUI-related collision results in death, prosecutors may file vehicular homicide charges under RCW 46.61.520. This is a Class A felony and carries even more severe penalties.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault in Washington

Vehicular assault is a Class B felony punishable by:

  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Up to $20,000 in fines
  • Felony criminal record
  • License revocation
  • Mandatory alcohol or drug treatment
  • Community custody supervision

Under RCW 46.61.524, DUI-related vehicular assault convictions also result in driver's license revocation, often requiring court approval and treatment completion before reinstatement.

Long-Term Consequences of a Felony DUI Injury Conviction

Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction can affect:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Professional licensing
  • Educational admission and financial aid
  • Housing applications
  • Firearm rights

Because these cases carry such high stakes, they require an aggressive and strategic defense approach.

Defense Strategies in DUI Injury Cases

Defense in vehicular assault cases often focuses on:

  • Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
  • Examining blood draw procedures and lab analysis
  • Disputing accident reconstruction findings
  • Questioning whether impairment actually caused the injury
  • Negotiating reductions where appropriate

Attorney Steve Karimi is a former Washington prosecutor with extensive experience handling serious DUI and felony-level cases. He understands how prosecutors build vehicular assault cases and how to challenge them effectively.

If you are facing DUI injury or vehicular assault charges in Seattle, call now for a confidential consultation.