Intoxication assault is defined as causing serious bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. “Serious bodily injury” is an injury that could potentially lead to death or causes permanent disfigurement or impairment.
The consequences of a conviction for intoxication assault can be life-altering, and the severity depends on many mitigating factors. A first-time offender will be charged with a 3rd-degree Felony and can face 2 to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a license suspension for 180 to two years. The second offense is a 2nd-degree felony that can have penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a license suspension for up to two years.
Even if it’s a first-time intoxication assault offense, it can be automatically bumped up to a 1st-degree felony if someone was previously convicted of any of the following:
- Intoxication manslaughter
- Manslaughter
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Murder
The penalty for a first-degree felony can include imprisonment for a term of 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Intoxication assault can be accompanied by additional charges depending on the circumstances. For guidance about intoxication assault cases, contact our firm by calling (806) 372-5711.
