Vehicular Assault Attorney In Iowa City

Serious Charges, Real Consequences, Focused Defense

A vehicular assault charge can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be facing allegations that you injured someone with a vehicle, often in connection with an OWI or serious traffic crash. The risk of jail, a felony record, and the loss of your license or CDL can feel overwhelming.

At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, we defend people accused of serious driving offenses from our office in Iowa City and across Eastern Iowa. Our attorneys have been protecting the rights of people facing criminal charges since 1992, and we understand how quickly a traffic incident can become a life-changing criminal case. We provide free consultations so you can talk with a lawyer, get answers, and start planning a path forward.

You do not have to face a vehicular assault accusation alone. Our team works to protect your record, your freedom, and your ability to keep driving while we guide you through every stage of the criminal and license process. Call today or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Why Work With Our Vehicular Assault Defense Team

When you are looking for help with a charge this serious, the lawyer you choose matters. At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, our practice is concentrated on criminal defense in Eastern Iowa, and we regularly represent people accused of driving-related offenses that involve injury. Our attorneys bring more than fifty years of combined criminal defense experience to the table, and we put that experience to work in each case we accept.

Our firm has a long history of defending people in district courts in and around Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and other communities in the region. We are known for handling cases that involve driver’s license sanctions and CDL disqualifications, issues that often go hand in hand with vehicular assault allegations. We understand that losing the ability to drive can threaten your job, your family responsibilities, and your independence, so we take these consequences seriously.

One of our attorneys, J. Dean Keegan, previously worked as a probation officer. That background gives our team insight into how probation departments, judges, and prosecutors view serious driving cases and sentencing decisions. We also pay close attention to the scientific evidence that often appears in these cases, including breath testing machines and other tools used in OWI investigations. Our goal is to use this knowledge to identify weaknesses in the State’s case and to build a defense strategy that fits the facts of your situation.

When you work with us, you can expect a personalized approach. We take time to learn about the incident, your background, and your priorities, then we develop a strategy that reflects what is at stake for you. We work to negotiate from a position of strength and to prepare thoroughly if a case needs to go to trial.

Understanding Vehicular Assault Charges In Iowa

Many people first hear the term "vehicular assault" from an officer, a charging document, or the news, without a clear idea of what it means under Iowa law. In general, these cases involve serious injuries that are alleged to have been caused by a driver who was impaired, driving recklessly, or violating certain traffic laws. The specific charge level usually depends on the type and severity of injury, and on what the State claims led to the crash.

Vehicular assault in Iowa can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony, depending on the circumstances. Factors that can increase the seriousness of the charge include the level of injury, whether alcohol or drugs are alleged to be involved, and prior driving or OWI history. In more serious cases, prosecutors may pursue charges that carry significant prison exposure and long periods of license loss.

Potential penalties in these cases can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, restitution for medical bills or property damage, and mandatory programs or treatment. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can lead to suspension or revocation of your driver's license, and for commercial drivers, it can mean CDL disqualification that affects the ability to work. In Johnson County and other Eastern Iowa counties, vehicular assault cases are typically handled by county attorneys who treat these matters as high priority.

No two cases are identical. The way a charge is filed and the penalties that may apply often depend on medical records, crash reports, test results, and the specific facts of what happened. Early legal intervention can help ensure that your side of the story is heard and that all relevant evidence is considered.

What To Do After A Vehicular Assault Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest are stressful, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. Taking the right steps can help protect your rights, your case, and your driving privileges. Even if your court date or DOT deadline seems far away, decisions made now can have lasting effects.

Protect Your Rights & Limit What You Say

First, be careful about what you say and who you talk to about the incident. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. It is usually wise to avoid detailed conversations with law enforcement or others about what happened until you have legal advice. Social media posts, text messages, and casual conversations can all become part of a criminal case.

Preserve Evidence & Documents

Second, gather and preserve information. This can include any paperwork you received at the time of arrest, such as citations, bond documents, or temporary license forms. If you are able, write down everything you remember about the incident, including road conditions, weather, traffic, and any witnesses or passengers who were present. These details can become important later, especially as memories fade.

Watch For Iowa DOT Deadlines

Third, pay close attention to any notices related to your driver's license or CDL. In cases that involve an OWI accusation, the Iowa DOT may move to suspend or revoke your license, sometimes on a separate timeline from the criminal case. There are often strict deadlines to request a hearing or challenge an administrative action, and missing those deadlines can limit your options.

Contact A Defense Lawyer Quickly

Finally, contact a vehicular assault defense lawyer Iowa City for legal guidance as soon as possible. When you call Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, we offer a free consultation so we can review your situation, discuss upcoming court dates and DOT deadlines, and begin planning an approach that fits your needs. Speaking with an attorney early often makes it easier to gather evidence, address bond conditions, and prepare for your first appearance.

How We Defend Vehicular Assault Cases

Defending a vehicular assault case requires careful analysis of both the criminal allegations and the underlying crash. Our attorneys begin by reviewing the charging documents, police reports, and any accident reconstruction materials to understand how the State claims the incident occurred. We look closely at statements from witnesses, other drivers, and law enforcement officers to identify inconsistencies and unanswered questions.

Evaluating Scientific & Field Evidence

In many cases, the State relies on scientific evidence related to alcohol or drug use, such as breath or blood tests and field sobriety exercises. We scrutinize how these tests were administered, whether the equipment was maintained and calibrated properly, and whether procedures were followed. Our familiarity with breath testing machines and other prosecution tools helps us evaluate whether the results are as reliable as the State suggests.

Analyzing Causation & Crash Factors

Causation is another key issue in these serious driving cases. The fact that a driver had been drinking or committed a traffic violation does not automatically mean they legally caused another person’s injuries. We examine whether other drivers, road design, weather, mechanical problems, or unexpected actions by others played a role in the crash. When appropriate, we consider available reconstruction materials to challenge the State’s theory.

Preparing For Sentencing & Supervision Issues

We also assess your background, including any prior record, employment, family responsibilities, and health issues, because these details can influence sentencing decisions and probation conditions. Our understanding of how probation departments and judges approach serious driving cases helps us prepare for these discussions. Throughout the case, we focus on both the criminal charges and the related license or CDL consequences, and we work to negotiate or litigate toward the best available resolution in light of the evidence.

Local Courts, Procedures, & Driver’s License Consequences

Most vehicular assault cases arising from incidents in or around Iowa City are filed in the Johnson County Courthouse. Cases from other communities in Eastern Iowa may be heard in nearby county district courts. Which court handles your case typically depends on where the alleged offense occurred and which law enforcement agency made the arrest.

It is important to understand that your criminal case and your driver’s license status often follow different tracks. Criminal charges are handled in district court, where you will appear before a judge for initial appearances, pretrial conferences, and possibly trial. At the same time, the Iowa DOT may start an administrative process to suspend or revoke your driver's license or CDL, especially if the case involves an OWI investigation.

License consequences can include temporary suspensions, longer revocations, or CDL disqualification. For people who drive commercial vehicles, a CDL loss can affect employment and income in a very direct way. There may be options such as work permits or restricted licenses in some situations, and the availability of these options often depends on factors like your record, the type of license you hold, and the nature of the charge.

Our attorneys regularly appear in Eastern Iowa courts and are familiar with how local judges and county attorneys tend to handle serious driving injury cases. We also work with clients on the steps involved in Iowa DOT hearings and paperwork. When you contact us, we can review your court schedule and any DOT notices, explain what to expect at each stage, and help you plan for both the courtroom and licensing processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Penalties Could I Face For Vehicular Assault In Iowa?

The penalties for vehicular assault in Iowa depend on the specific charge, the extent of the injuries, and your history. In some situations, the offense may be charged as a misdemeanor that can involve jail time, fines, probation, and restitution. In more severe cases that involve significant injury or aggravating factors, the State may file felony charges that carry the possibility of prison, longer supervision, and extended license loss.

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can lead to consequences with the Iowa DOT, such as suspension or revocation of your driver's license. If you hold a CDL, you may be facing disqualification that affects your ability to work in transportation or related fields. The specific outcome in any case is influenced by the facts, the evidence, and your background. Our attorneys review all of these details and explain the range of potential penalties during a consultation.

Will I Lose My Driver’s License Or CDL If I Am Charged?

A vehicular assault charge often creates a serious risk to your driver's license, and for commercial drivers, to a CDL. When a case involves allegations of OWI or certain traffic violations, the Iowa DOT may begin an administrative process that can result in suspension or revocation, sometimes even before the criminal case is finished. The length and type of license action usually depend on factors like test results, refusal of testing, prior record, and the specific law involved.

CDL holders often face stricter rules, and a disqualification can occur even for conduct in a personal vehicle. Because driving privileges are essential for many jobs and family responsibilities, we pay close attention to these issues. Our firm regularly defends driving-related offenses and works with clients on both the criminal case and associated license proceedings so that we can advise you on the options that may exist in your situation.

How Can Your Attorneys Challenge The Evidence In My Case?

We challenge evidence in vehicular assault cases by examining how it was obtained, how it is presented, and whether it truly supports the State’s claims. For example, if breath or blood tests are involved, we look at the testing methods, machine maintenance, calibration records, and the procedures officers followed. Our familiarity with breath testing machines and other scientific tools helps us identify issues that might not be obvious at first glance.

We also review accident reports, photographs, and any reconstruction materials to see whether the State’s version of the crash is the only reasonable explanation. Questions about lighting, road conditions, other drivers, or mechanical problems can affect how responsibility is viewed. Witness statements and officer observations are another focus, since inconsistencies or gaps can be important in negotiations or at trial. Our goal is to use careful review and analysis to uncover defenses and to present your case as fully and accurately as possible.

Do I Really Need A Lawyer For A Vehicular Assault Charge?

Because vehicular assault is a serious criminal charge with complex evidence and potential long-term consequences, having a lawyer is usually very important. These cases can involve technical issues related to injury documentation, crash reconstruction, and chemical testing, as well as legal questions about causation and intent. Trying to navigate those issues alone can put you at a disadvantage when dealing with experienced prosecutors.

An attorney can help you understand the charges, protect your rights during court proceedings, and communicate with the State on your behalf. At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, our practice focuses on criminal defense, and we frequently handle driving-related offenses in the area. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your case with one of our attorneys, ask questions about the process, and decide how you want to move forward.

Can A Vehicular Assault Charge Be Reduced Or Dismissed?

Whether a vehicular assault charge can be reduced or dismissed depends on the facts, the strength of the evidence, and how the case is handled. In some situations, issues with the evidence, questions about causation, or mitigating circumstances can give defense counsel room to negotiate for a lesser charge or a more favorable resolution. In other cases, concerns raised during investigation or pretrial motions may influence how prosecutors choose to proceed.

No reputable attorney can promise that a charge will be reduced or dismissed in advance. What we can do is conduct a thorough review of the reports, test results, and other evidence, and then advise you about the options that seem realistic. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators, and we work to pursue the best outcome that the circumstances and the law allow, whether that involves negotiation or preparation for trial.

What Should I Do Before My First Court Date In Iowa City?

Before your first court date, it is important to organize your paperwork and start preparing with your attorney. Gather any documents you have received, such as citations, bond paperwork, and notices from the court or Iowa DOT. Make notes about the incident while your memory is still fresh, and identify any potential witnesses who might have seen the crash or spoken with you afterward.

You should also be sure to follow any bond conditions that have been set, such as no contact orders, travel limits, or substance use restrictions. Violating these terms can create new problems and affect how the judge views your case. Meeting with a vehicular assault lawyer Iowa City before your first appearance allows you to understand what will happen in court, how you will be addressed, and what decisions might need to be made.

How Soon Should I Contact A Vehicular Assault Defense Lawyer?

It is usually best to contact a defense lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation or have been arrested for vehicular assault. Early involvement gives your attorney more time to review evidence, advise you before you speak with law enforcement, and address urgent issues like bond and license deadlines. Once certain decisions are made or deadlines pass, some options can be harder to pursue.

Our firm encourages people to reach out promptly for a free consultation so we can start protecting their interests from the beginning. During that initial conversation, we can discuss what has happened so far, explain the next steps in both the criminal case and any Iowa DOT proceedings, and outline how we would approach your defense. Acting sooner often provides more opportunity to shape the course of your case.

Talk With Our Vehicular Assault Lawyer In Iowa City

If you are facing a vehicular assault charge, you are dealing with one of the most stressful experiences a person can have in the criminal system. You may be worried about your future, your job, and your ability to drive, and you deserve clear information and strong representation. Our attorneys have decades of experience defending people in Eastern Iowa, with a particular focus on serious driving offenses and the scientific evidence that often accompanies them.

At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, we take the time to understand your situation, explain the law, and guide you through the court and license processes. Our goal is to protect your rights and work toward the best outcome the facts and the law will allow. We serve clients from our Iowa City office and throughout the surrounding area, and we are ready to talk with you about your options.

To speak with a vehicular assault attorney Iowa City about your case, call (319) 499-5524 for a free and confidential consultation.