Vehicular Assault Attorney In Atlanta

Serious Charges After A Serious Crash? We Are Ready To Help

If you have been arrested or told you are under investigation for vehicular assault after a crash, you are facing one of the most serious driving-related charges in Georgia. You may be worried about prison, your driver’s license, and your future all at the same time. At Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, we focus our criminal defense practice on guiding people through high-stakes cases like this with steady, informed representation.

Our firm is led by Attorney Matthew T. McNally, a former Assistant District Attorney with nearly two decades of criminal defense experience. He personally handles every case our firm accepts, so you are not passed off to a junior lawyer. If you need a vehicular assault attorney in Atlanta who understands how prosecutors build these cases and how local courts operate, we are prepared to talk with you about your situation. You do not have to navigate this alone or guess at your options. We work to explain the process in plain language, review the evidence, and help you make decisions that protect your rights and your future.

To speak with us about your case, you can call (678) 918-4421 for a consultation.

Facing Vehicular Assault Charges In Georgia

Vehicular assault, often referred to in Georgia as serious injury by vehicle, usually involves an allegation that someone was seriously hurt because of reckless driving, DUI, or another serious traffic violation. These are not simple traffic tickets. They are felony charges that can bring years of prison time and long periods of probation if there is a conviction. The stakes are especially high when the crash involves significant injuries or multiple people.

The specific penalties you could face depend on factors such as the underlying traffic offense, the severity of injuries, whether you have prior convictions, and where the case is charged. A felony conviction can carry prison time, substantial fines, and strict probation conditions. It can also leave a permanent mark on your criminal record that can affect job opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status.

Many people in this position feel a mixture of fear, confusion, and sometimes guilt or anger after a serious crash. You may feel judged before anyone has heard your side or you may believe that what happened on the road was more complicated than the reports suggest. Our role in vehicular assault criminal defense Atlanta is to examine what really happened, explain what the law requires, and work to protect you from the harshest consequences.

How We Defend Vehicular Assault Cases

When you come to us after a vehicular assault arrest, we start by listening carefully to your account of what happened. Then we obtain and review the police reports, accident reports, body camera footage if it is available, and any other discovery the prosecution has provided. We also look at medical records related to the injuries that form the basis of the charge because the law requires proof of serious injury, not just any harm.

Attorney McNally’s background as a former Assistant District Attorney plays a central role in how we build a defense. He spent time on the other side of the courtroom and understands how prosecutors evaluate vehicular assault cases, how they rely on accident reconstruction, and what types of evidence tend to drive their decisions. We use that insight to anticipate arguments, identify weak points, and prepare responses long before trial.

Every case has its own facts, but there are common issues that we often explore. These can include whether the alleged traffic violation actually occurred, whether other drivers or road conditions contributed to the crash, whether the medical evidence truly supports a serious injury finding, and whether any sobriety or chemical testing was conducted properly. As a vehicular assault defense lawyer in Atlanta, we focus on building a strategy that fits your specific circumstances rather than forcing your case into a template.

Throughout this process, we aim to keep you informed about what we see in the evidence and what options may be available. We discuss potential risks and possible outcomes so you can make informed decisions about negotiations and trial. Our goal is to combine thorough case work with clear communication so you are never left guessing about where your case stands.

What Happens After A Vehicular Assault Arrest

Being arrested for vehicular assault can feel chaotic and disorienting, especially if you were injured or taken to the hospital after the crash. In many cases, the process can begin with an arrest or with charges being filed after an investigation. You may be booked into jail, and a bond decision will typically follow. The specific court that first handles your case depends on where the crash occurred and how the charge is structured.

In and around Atlanta, felony cases can move through courts such as Fulton County Superior Court or DeKalb County Superior Court, depending on the location and circumstances. There is usually an initial appearance, at which bond and basic conditions may be addressed. Later, there is an arraignment, where you enter a plea, and the case is scheduled for motions, hearings, and potentially a trial. The timeline can vary based on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case.

During this period, what you say and do can affect your case. Statements to law enforcement, insurance companies, or others involved in the crash can later be used in court. We generally advise clients to avoid talking about the details of the incident with anyone other than their attorney. When we are involved early, we can begin communicating with the prosecutor, request important evidence, and address issues such as bond conditions and license concerns where applicable.

Our firm guides clients through each stage of the Georgia criminal process, from the first court date through negotiations and trial when needed. We appear with you in court, explain what is happening in advance, and prepare you for what you may be asked. Our extensive courtroom experience in Atlanta area courts helps us understand local procedures and judicial expectations, and we work to put that knowledge to use in every vehicular assault case we handle.

Why Choose Our Firm For Vehicular Assault Defense

Choosing a lawyer after a vehicular assault arrest is a significant decision. You need someone who understands the law, the local courts, and the real-world impact this case can have on your life. At Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, our clients work directly with Attorney Matthew T. McNally from start to finish. He does not pass cases to other lawyers. He personally reviews the evidence, appears in court, and talks with you about strategy and options.

With nearly twenty years of criminal defense practice and thousands of hours spent in Georgia courtrooms, including courts in the city, Attorney McNally has handled a wide range of serious cases. His time as an Assistant District Attorney gave him an inside view of how the State builds and pursues serious injury cases arising from crashes. Our firm uses that experience to anticipate how prosecutors may approach your case and to prepare accordingly.

We also recognize that no two clients are the same. Your background, your family situation, your employment, and the specific details of the crash all matter. We take the time to understand these factors and to shape your defense accordingly. Our goal is to treat you as a person, not just a case number, and to keep you updated as the case moves forward.

Cost is a real concern for many people facing felony charges. We offer flexible payment plans to help make quality criminal defense more accessible. We discuss fees upfront so you know what to expect. Our priority is to help you secure legal counsel promptly so that important steps in your case are not delayed while you sort through financial questions.

Common Issues In Atlanta Vehicular Assault Cases

Vehicular assault charges in this area often arise from serious crashes on busy city streets and highways where traffic conditions can change in an instant. Many cases involve allegations of DUI, excessive speed, distracted driving, or reckless maneuvers such as racing. Others may occur in heavy traffic where multiple vehicles are involved, making it harder to sort out who did what and when.

When serious injuries occur, investigations can become complex. Law enforcement may bring in specialized officers or accident reconstruction personnel to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions. Medical records can be extensive, particularly if surgeries or long hospital stays were required. The prosecution often relies heavily on these materials to argue that a specific driver’s actions caused a serious injury as defined under Georgia law.

From a defense perspective, these cases may involve questions about visibility, road design, the actions of other drivers, and whether the injuries are as directly linked to the alleged conduct as the State claims. For example, crashes on interstates near Atlanta can involve sudden lane changes, heavy congestion, and secondary impacts that complicate the story. In some instances, there may be witnesses whose accounts differ from the official report or video, which raises new questions about what happened.

Our firm approaches these issues by carefully reviewing the investigative work that has been done and considering whether additional analysis is appropriate. Depending on the case, this may mean obtaining additional records, speaking with witnesses, or consulting with professionals such as accident reconstructionists. We do not assume that the initial report tells the full story. Instead, we work to understand the complete context and how it may affect your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Penalties Could I Face For Vehicular Assault In Georgia?

Vehicular assault, often charged as serious injury by vehicle, is usually treated as a felony in Georgia and can carry significant penalties. The potential sentence often depends on factors such as the underlying traffic offense, your prior record, the extent of the injuries, and how the prosecutor charges the case. Possible consequences can include prison time, lengthy probation, fines, restitution, and conditions such as community service or treatment programs. A felony conviction can also affect your driver’s license, although the specifics depend on the facts and the final charge. When we review your case, we discuss the range of penalties that may apply and what factors could influence the outcome.

Do I Really Need A Lawyer Right Away After A Vehicular Assault Arrest?

It is very important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you know you are being investigated or have been arrested for vehicular assault. Early decisions can affect bond conditions, what you say to law enforcement, and how quickly important evidence is preserved. Courts generally move quickly on initial hearings, particularly in more serious cases, and having counsel in place helps you avoid facing these steps alone. When we are contacted soon after an arrest in Atlanta or surrounding counties, we can begin communicating with the prosecutor, requesting discovery, and advising you about how to handle contact with investigators and others. Acting early often gives your defense a stronger foundation.

How Will A Vehicular Assault Charge Affect My Driver’s License & Job?

A vehicular assault charge can create serious concerns about your license and employment, although the exact impact depends on the facts and the outcome of the case. Some underlying traffic offenses and certain convictions can lead to license suspensions, while other outcomes may allow you to keep your driving privileges with conditions. Employers may react differently as well. Some jobs are more sensitive to criminal charges, especially those involving driving or public safety. We talk with clients about these collateral consequences so they can plan ahead and understand how different case outcomes might affect their work and transportation.

Can Vehicular Assault Charges Ever Be Reduced Or Dismissed?

There are situations where vehicular assault charges may be reduced or dismissed, although this depends on many variables such as the strength of the evidence, the nature of the injuries, your prior record, and the prosecutor’s evaluation of the case. For example, challenges to the alleged traffic violation, questions about causation, or issues with the investigation can affect how the State proceeds. In some cases, negotiations may lead to amended charges or different resolutions. As a vehicular assault lawyer Atlanta, we evaluate the specific facts of your case, identify potential issues in the evidence, and discuss realistic options with you without making promises about a particular result.

What Does It Mean That Mr. McNally Is A Former Prosecutor?

When we say that Attorney McNally is a former prosecutor, we mean that he previously served as an Assistant District Attorney before focusing on criminal defense. This experience gave him direct insight into how the State reviews cases, decides what charges to file, and prepares for hearings and trials. In a vehicular assault case, that background can help us anticipate what the prosecution may prioritize, how they might interpret certain evidence, and where there may be weaknesses. We use this perspective to plan defense strategies, prepare for negotiations, and present your case in a way that addresses the points the State is most likely to raise.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm For A Vehicular Assault Case?

The cost of defending a vehicular assault case can vary based on the complexity of the facts, the amount of evidence, and how far the case proceeds in court. For instance, a case that resolves earlier in the process may involve different work than a case that goes through extensive motions and a jury trial. We discuss fees with you upfront and explain what is included so there are no surprises. Our firm offers flexible payment plans, which can help you secure representation while managing the financial impact. When you contact us, we can talk about your specific situation and outline likely costs and payment options.

Will I Be Able To Work Directly With Attorney McNally On My Case?

Yes. At Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, Attorney Matthew T. McNally personally handles every criminal case our firm accepts, including vehicular assault matters. That means he is the lawyer who will review your discovery, appear in court, and discuss strategy with you. Our team supports him with administrative tasks and scheduling, but your defense is not turned over to a different attorney. Many clients find this direct access reassuring, especially when they are facing serious charges and want to know who is actually responsible for their case. We work to maintain regular communication so you understand what is happening and can ask questions as they arise.

Talk To A Vehicular Assault Lawyer in Atlanta

If you are dealing with a vehicular assault charge, you are facing a situation that can affect every part of your life. You may be worried about prison, your record, your license, and your family’s stability. You do not have to sort through those questions alone. A conversation with a lawyer who understands Georgia criminal law and the courts here can give you a clearer picture of what comes next.

At Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, we bring nearly two decades of criminal defense experience, prior service as an Assistant District Attorney, and thousands of hours in court to every vehicular assault case we accept. We focus on giving each client individualized attention and a thoughtful defense strategy that fits their unique circumstances. If you are looking for a vehicular assault attorney in Atlanta who will personally handle your case and guide you through each step of the process, we are ready to talk.

We know that taking the first step can feel difficult, especially when you are overwhelmed by what has already happened. When you contact us, we will listen to your concerns, review the information you have, and explain how we can help. Acting promptly can protect important rights and preserve critical evidence, so we encourage you to reach out as soon as you can.

To speak directly with our firm about your vehicular assault case, call (678) 918-4421 today.