Skip to Content
Experienced Nashville Defense Firm
Top
Vehicular Assault A Team Who Will Tenaciously Defend You Every Step of the Way

Vehicular Assault Attorney Nashville, TN

What is Vehicular Assault?

Vehicular assault is a felony offense. According to TCA § 39-13-106, it occurs when a driver recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person as a proximate result of the driver’s intoxication. This includes alcohol and/or drug intoxication. A person convicted of vehicular assault may face 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

May McKinney represents drivers across Tennessee who have been arrested for and accused of vehicular assault, DUI, and all types of criminal traffic offenses. Our founding attorney, Rob McKinney, has practiced exclusively in criminal defense since 1994. While in law school, he worked as a law clerk for the Seventh Circuit Court in Nashville and witnessed numerous DUI and vehicular assault cases presented to the court. With over 80 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are fully qualified to defend clients against felony vehicular assault charges.

For helpful insight regarding DUI with injury charges, call our Nashville vehicular assault attorneys at (615) 265-6383.

Aggravated Vehicular Assault: TCA § 39-13-115

In certain circumstances, a driver who is accused of causing an injury accident while intoxicated may face aggravated vehicular assault charges. These are explained in TCA § 39-13-115. Aggravated vehicular assault is a Class C felony, punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and a $5,000 to $15,000 fine.

Aggravated vehicular assault occurs when a driver recklessly causes serious injury to another person as a result of his or her intoxication, and:

  • The driver has two or more prior DUI convictions or violations of the habitual motor vehicle offender law;
  • The driver has one or more prior convictions for vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or aggravated vehicular homicide; or
  • The driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .20% or more at the time of the offense and has one prior conviction for DUI or violation of the habitual motor vehicle offender law.

Preparing a Defense in Vehicular Assault Cases in Tennessee

In any vehicular assault case, the prosecutor must prove that alcohol was the proximate cause of the accident and the injury. Just because you were involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not enough to support a conviction of vehicular assault.

With an inside perspective on the Tennessee court system, our Nashville vehicular assault lawyers know how to effectively investigate each case to make sure no holes exist in the evidence. We also partner with investigators to determine the root cause of vehicle accidents.

If you have been charged with vehicular assault or any drunk driving offense, we can review the facts to see whether your alcohol consumption caused the accident. Contact us today at (615) 265-6383!

Our Clients Say It Best

Read Our Client Testimonials

At May McKinney, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Held my hand every step of the way in one of the most horrible times in my life."
    There are no words to express how grateful I am to Rob McKinney. He was there for me when I was confronted with a very difficult time in my life. Rob fought long and hard to prove the good of my situation. His team was behind me every step of the way during the long drawn out time frame. Rob never gave up on me and made me feel cared about through every obstacle we faced. I am very confident that he is now someone who I can call "a Friend" for life. The best word to use in description of Rob is AWESOME!
    - Barbara N.
    "Rob and his team are second to none."
    The need for a criminal defense attorney typically represents a low point in one’s highlight reel. Rob’s unmatched expertise, passion and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome during troubled times makes him the best available. Grateful to him and his team.
    - Anonymous
    ""Expert care, unwavering support, and a team that truly fights for you—Savannah and her staff go above and beyond!""
    I cannot speak highly enough of Savannah and her incredible team. From the very start, she demonstrated expert care, attentiveness, and a true dedication to my case. Her professionalism and knowledge made the entire process smooth, and she took the time to ensure I understood every step along the way. What truly sets Savannah apart is her compassion and commitment. She and her staff were always responsive, thorough, and supportive, making me feel confident that my case was in the best hands. Their attention to detail and ability to navigate complex situations with ease made all the difference. I highly recommend Savannah and her team to anyone in need of expert legal representation. They not only fight for you but genuinely care about your well-being. Thank you for everything!
    - Josh
    "Look no further, Rob McKinney is the defense attorney you need."
    As a LEO wife, I was served with a frivolous OP from an estranged step family member. With the possibility of my husband not being able to process any firearms in our household, Mr McKinney's understanding the severity of the situation, Rob took the time to investigate and prepare for the hearing. With that said, Rob absolutely destroyed the petitioner and witnesses on the stand. It was worth the time, money and stress to see Rob in action. If the need ever arises in the future, Rob will always be our first call. You cannot go wrong putting your trust in Mr. McKinney.
    - Tara
    "It's a Comfort to Have You On My Side"

    I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have been doing for me. It's comforting to know I've got you on my side. You're the BEST!!

    P.S. — I really can't thank you enough.

    - R.
    "Repeat offender facing time"
    When I got I hemmed up in Gallatin and caught two charges, I was told I was facing 180 days plus an extra 180-365 days serving time. I told my folks I was tired of taking chances with amateurs when It came to a legal defense lawyer. I initially called Frank Lannom's office, but they regrettably informed they did not practice in Sumner but they knew who did that was just as good and experienced. They gaveme the number to Mr. McKinneys office here. I called them up and Ms Savannah Edmonds met with me that day on a zoom meeting. I gave a very professional summarization of my charges , sentance they carried, as well as the exact figure they would charge. She even called me back to correct herself on something she said wrong. I thought that was exceptionally professional. Needless to say I knew May and McKinney were the lawyers I want defending me. It's easy to make back money. You can't get your time back. Anyway today was the first day of court with my Lawyer. And my first offer was "both charges dismissed" . Now you can't get much better than that. If you want to save money, take the amateurs and risk loosing your life, your name, your integrity or hire the professionals of May and McKinney and get results. Remember "you get what ya pay for" and with May and Mckinney it's well worth every penny !
    - Robert F.
    "Forever Grateful"
    I want to personally thank Mr. Rob and Ms. Shyanne for everything they have done for me that took me to the resolution of being able to go on with my life. I’m forever blessed to have met them and had them in my life at a very rough time. Thank you.
    - K.
    "No Nonsense, Willful & Determined"
    My reputation is restored thanks to Ms. Riddle and May McKinney.
    - Mark
  • "AV Preeminent" by Martindale Hubble
  • Super Lawyers
  • The Best Lawyers In America
  • Best 101 Lawyers in Tennessee by Nashville Business Journal
  • Nashville's Top Lawyers by The Tennessean
  • Nashville Bar Association
  • Nashville Bar Foundation
  • Tennessee Bar Association

Get In Touch Today

Schedule Your Free Strategy Session
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your county.
  • Please enter your response.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from May McKinney at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Choose May McKinney?

A Firm Committed to You, Your Case & Your Future
  • Nearly 80 Years of Combined Experience
    Our accomplished attorneys bring almost eight decades of combined criminal defense experience.
  • Educated In Our Field
    Our team believes in ongoing training in the criminal defense field. Our attorneys are educated in the latest forensic science technology and Attorney Riddle is Trauma Certified.
  • A Team Approach
    Our attorneys work each case as a unit, which is extremely beneficial to our clients. No matter the case size, it's integral to get the experience and knowledge of a team.
  • An Aggressive Defense
    When you choose May McKinney, you are choosing a team that will fight tooth and nail for your rights, your freedom, and your future.