Vehicular Assault is one of the most serious criminal traffic offenses in Washington.  It is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine.  The crime of vehicular assault is charged when a person substantially injures another by way of either reckless driving or driving under the influance (DUI).  In many instances, the charge starts out as a DUI or Reckless Driving and then is amended to the felony when the severity of the injury is known.

If you have been involved in an accident where another party, either one of your passengers or someone from another vehicle or a pedestrian, suffers any kind of injury, call a Washington DUI lawyer immediately. There is a very strong possibilty that you could be chaged with a felony and subject to a very high bail at your arraignment. You will need to act quickly.

RCW 46.61.522 - Vehicular assault — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of vehicular assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle:

     (a) In a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or

     (b) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502, and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or

     (c) With disregard for the safety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another.

     (2) Vehicular assault is a class B felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

     (3) As used in this section, "substantial bodily harm" has the same meaning as in RCW 9A.04.110.

[2001 c 300 § 1; 1996 c 199 § 8; 1983 c 164 § 2.]

Notes:

Severability -- 1996 c 199: See note following RCW 9.94A.505.

Criminal history and driving record: RCW 46.61.513.

Ignition interlocks, biological, technical devices: RCW 46.20.710 through 46.20.750.

RCW 46.61.524 - Vehicular homicide, assault — Revocation of driving privilege — Eligibility for reinstatement.

As provided for under RCW 46.20.285, the department shall revoke the license, permit to drive, or a nonresident privilege of a person convicted of vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520 or vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522. The department shall determine the eligibility of a person convicted of vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520(1)(a) or vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522(1)(b) to receive a license based upon the report provided by the designated alcoholism treatment facility or probation department designated pursuant to RCW 9.94A.703(4)(b), and shall deny reinstatement until satisfactory progress in an approved program has been established and the person is otherwise qualified.<

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[2008 c 231 § 46; 2006 c 73 § 16; 2001 c 64 § 7; 2000 c 28 § 40; 1991 c 348 § 2.]

Notes:

     Intent -- Application -- Application of repealers -- Effective date -- 2008 c 231: See notes following RCW 9.94A.701.

     Severability -- 2008 c 231: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.

     Effective date -- 2006 c 73: See note following RCW 46.61.502.

     Technical correction bill -- 2000 c 28: See note following RCW 9.94A.015.

     Headings and captions not law -- Effective date -- Severability -- 2000 c 28: See RCW 9.94A.920, 9.94A.921, and 9.94A.922.

     Effective date -- 1991 c 348: See note following RCW 46.61.520.