Vehicular Assault Attorney In Houston

Serious Charges After A Crash Need Serious Defense

A serious car crash can turn into a felony case in a matter of hours. If police believe you caused a collision that injured someone, you may suddenly find yourself booked into jail and facing accusations that you never expected. If you are looking for a vehicular assault attorney in Houston, Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. is prepared to stand between you and the full power of the criminal justice system.

We are a father and son criminal defense team based in Houston, and we focus our work on defending people accused of serious federal, state, and military offenses. With more than 60 years of combined experience and hundreds of jury trials behind us, we understand how high the stakes are when a crash leads to felony charges. Our goal is to give you clear guidance, protect your rights at every step, and build the strongest possible defense for your situation.

You do not have to figure this out alone. We invite you to talk with us in a confidential consultation so we can learn what happened, explain the process in the Houston area, and start planning a path forward.

Why Turn To Our Firm For Vehicular Assault Charges

When you are accused of causing serious injury with a vehicle, you need more than a name on a court file. You need a team that has spent decades in real courtrooms, facing real juries, and arguing high stakes criminal cases. At Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., we have defended thousands of serious charges across federal, state, and military offenses, and we bring that experience to every vehicular assault case we handle.

Our firm is led by Guy and Geoff Womack, a father and son team that works closely together on each serious matter. This structure gives our clients the benefit of two seasoned trial lawyers who collaborate on strategy, preparation, and courtroom presentation. The wisdom that comes from more than 60 years of combined work in criminal defense, paired with ongoing collaboration between generations, allows us to look at your case from multiple angles and anticipate how prosecutors and judges are likely to respond.

We have handled media-swamped and high-visibility cases where every move is scrutinized. If your crash has drawn attention from local news or social media, we understand the extra stress that public exposure creates. Our focus remains on protecting your legal rights and your future, while helping you navigate the added pressure that comes with a case in the spotlight.

Equally important, we place a high value on client-centered communication. People come to us during some of the worst days of their lives. We work to respond promptly, explain each step before it happens, and give you honest assessments so you can make informed decisions. If you are searching for a vehicular assault criminal defense Houston that will take your calls, answer your questions, and stay engaged, our firm is built with that in mind.

Understanding Vehicular Assault Charges In Texas

How Texas Law Treats Serious Injury Crashes

Many people first hear the phrase “vehicular assault” from an officer, a bond document, or a news story, and are not sure what it means under Texas law. In this state, crashes that cause serious injury can lead to several different types of felony charges. These can include intoxication-related offenses, such as intoxication assault, or assaultive charges that accuse a driver of using a vehicle in a dangerous or criminally negligent way.

Although the specific statute that applies will depend on the facts, prosecutors generally must prove several key points. They may need to show that someone suffered serious bodily injury, meaning an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or causes long term loss or impairment of a bodily function. Depending on the charge, they might also have to prove that you were intoxicated, that your conduct rose to criminal negligence, or that you acted intentionally or recklessly behind the wheel.

Potential Consequences Of A Conviction

Penalties can be severe. Many of these offenses are felonies that can bring years of possible confinement, significant fines, and lengthy periods of community supervision. In addition to any sentence a judge might impose, a conviction can affect your driver’s license, employment opportunities, professional licenses, immigration status, and even your right to possess firearms. Courts in Harris County and surrounding counties also regularly consider crash-related factors, such as the number of people injured, the level of harm, and any prior record, when deciding how to handle a case.

No two vehicular assault cases are alike. The exact charge, the strength of the evidence, and the range of potential outcomes will depend on the specific facts, the law that applies, and the decisions of prosecutors in this area. Part of our role as a vehicular assault defense lawyer in Houston is to examine how the law fits your unique situation and to explain, in plain language, what you are actually facing.

What To Do After A Vehicular Assault Arrest Or Investigation

Protect Your Rights From The Start

The hours and days after an arrest or serious crash can feel chaotic. You may be worried about the person who was hurt, shocked by the charge, and unsure what to say or do. The choices you make during this time can have a lasting impact on your case, so it is important to move carefully.

First, protect your right to remain silent. Law enforcement officers may want to ask detailed questions about how the collision occurred, what you had to drink, or what you were doing before driving. You have the right to decline to answer those questions and to request a lawyer. Exercising that right is not an admission of guilt. It is a way to avoid statements that might later be taken out of context or used against you in court.

Be Careful About What You Share

Second, be cautious about talking to others about the incident. Conversations with friends, posts on social media, and text messages can sometimes end up in a case file. Even comments meant to show concern can be misunderstood. Until you have legal guidance, it is usually safer to talk about the incident only with your attorney, who is bound by confidentiality rules.

Preserve Helpful Information

Third, try to preserve information that could help your defense. This might include contact information for witnesses, photographs of the scene or your vehicle, medical records, or any documents related to the crash.

Examples of information that may be useful include:

• Names and contact details for any witnesses who saw the collision
• Photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and weather
• Records of any medical treatment you received after the crash
• Information about where your vehicle was towed and its current condition

If your vehicle is stored at a tow yard in Houston, the location of that vehicle and its condition may matter for future investigation. Our firm can discuss what is realistic to gather in your situation and how that evidence may be used.

Follow Bond Conditions & Court Dates

Finally, pay close attention to bond conditions and court dates. Judges in Harris County criminal courts and nearby jurisdictions typically set rules about driving, alcohol use, contact with alleged victims, and travel. Violating those conditions can create new problems. When you contact our team, we can review your bond paperwork, explain what each condition means, and start preparing for the first court appearance.

How We Build A Defense In Vehicular Assault Cases

Detailed Review Of Evidence

Defending a vehicular assault allegation often requires both detailed factual work and careful legal analysis. At Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., we have handled hundreds of jury trials and thousands of serious criminal matters, which has taught us how quickly an initial police theory can change under scrutiny. Our job is to test the evidence, not simply accept it at face value.

We begin by gathering and reviewing all available discovery. This often includes police reports, crash reconstruction diagrams, photographs, body and dash camera footage, 911 recordings, and medical records that describe the injuries involved. We look for gaps and inconsistencies. For example, we may examine whether the physical damage to the vehicles truly matches the claimed sequence of events or whether another driver’s actions or road conditions contributed to the crash.

Challenging Intoxication & Causation Allegations

In many vehicular assault cases, intoxication or impairment is a central issue. We analyze how any blood or breath test was obtained, whether officers complied with constitutional requirements for stops and arrests, and whether testing equipment and procedures met legal and scientific standards. Problems with the way a sample was collected, stored, or analyzed can affect how reliable that evidence is in court. We also consider whether other explanations, such as fatigue, medical conditions, or environmental factors, may better explain the behavior officers observed.

Causation is another critical element. The law generally requires a link between your conduct and the injuries that occurred. Our analysis may involve assessing the speed of all vehicles, visibility, signage, and the actions of other drivers or pedestrians. When appropriate, we consider working with qualified accident reconstruction or medical professionals to help evaluate the case. As a vehicular assault lawyer in Houston, we strive to bring together legal knowledge and factual investigation to challenge every element prosecutors must prove.

Constitutional Issues & Trial Preparation

Throughout this process, we also examine constitutional issues. We look at whether officers had a lawful reason to stop your vehicle, whether any searches or seizures were justified, and whether your statements were taken in compliance with your rights. If we identify violations, we may seek to limit or exclude certain evidence.

From there, we prepare each serious case with the expectation that it could go before a jury. That level of preparation not only positions us for trial, but it can also influence how prosecutors view the strength of their case during negotiations. Our extensive trial background informs how we question witnesses, present evidence, and advise you about the options in front of you.

Special Considerations For Military Service Members

Dual Civilian & Military Consequences

For active duty service members, reservists, and some veterans, a vehicular assault allegation can create a second layer of risk beyond what appears on the criminal complaint. A conviction, and sometimes even an ongoing case, can affect security clearances, duty assignments, and career progression. Commands may conduct their own inquiries or take administrative actions based on what happens in civilian court.

Our attorneys have backgrounds in military service and military criminal law, so we understand the language, structure, and expectations of the armed forces. We know that a felony accusation can impact not only your liberty, but also your ability to serve, promote, and retire as planned. When we represent service members, we factor these concerns into our strategy and our advice about options.

Depending on the branch and the situation, civilian outcomes can be followed by additional consequences, such as adverse evaluations, loss of certain billets, or separation proceedings. While no two cases are the same, our familiarity with these systems allows us to talk with you about both criminal and military implications in a clear way. If you are in uniform and facing a vehicular assault allegation, we are prepared to discuss how our criminal defense work can support your efforts to protect your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for a vehicular assault charge?

The penalties you could face depend on the exact charge, the facts of the crash, and your prior record. In Texas, offenses that people often refer to as vehicular assault are commonly filed as felonies, which can carry years of potential confinement and significant fines. Courts also frequently consider probation or community supervision, although the availability of those options can depend on the level of injury, any intoxication allegations, and statutory limits. Beyond the formal sentence, a conviction can affect your driver’s license, employment, professional licensing, immigration status, and other aspects of daily life.

When we review your case, we look at the statute prosecutors are using, the alleged injuries, and any aggravating factors to give you a clearer picture of the range of possible outcomes. We then talk through both the legal penalties and the practical consequences so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Will I go to jail if I am accused of injuring someone with my car?

Whether you will spend time in jail or prison is not automatic. It depends on the charge, the strength of the evidence, your criminal history, and the decisions of the judge and prosecutor. Many people in this situation first encounter custody at the time of arrest, then appear in a Harris County criminal court or another local court for bond. Judges typically decide whether to release someone, set bond conditions, or hold them based on factors like safety concerns and flight risk.

As your case moves forward, any final sentence, including whether confinement is imposed, will be influenced by the specific facts, any plea negotiations, and trial results if the case is tried. Our role is to work to protect your rights at each stage, to argue for a reasonable bond and conditions, and to develop a defense strategy that aims to achieve the best possible resolution within the realities of the case. We discuss potential scenarios with you so there are fewer surprises as you move through the process.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a vehicular assault arrest?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an arrest or if you learn that you are under investigation. Early involvement gives us the chance to protect your rights before you make statements, to address bond issues promptly, and to begin preserving evidence that might be lost over time. The first court settings in Harris County and nearby courts are often scheduled quickly, and there are usually decisions to be made about conditions of release and initial responses to the charge.

When you reach out to us, we work to learn the basic facts, review any documents you received, and explain what will likely happen next. Our goal is to take some of the uncertainty out of those early days and start building a plan rather than letting events simply unfold around you.

Can a vehicular assault charge be reduced or dismissed?

In some cases, charges are reduced or dismissed, but there is no single pattern, and no honest lawyer can promise a specific outcome. Factors that can influence whether a prosecutor considers a reduction or dismissal include the strength of the evidence, the seriousness of the injuries, any legal or constitutional problems with how the case was handled, and information that we present about you and your background. Sometimes, issues with causation, intoxication testing, or witness credibility can significantly change how a case is viewed.

We carefully review the evidence, research the applicable law, and investigate the facts to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Based on what we find, we may file motions, negotiate with prosecutors, or prepare for trial. Our extensive trial history and experience with thousands of serious charges are tools we use to advocate for you, but each case is unique, and results depend on many variables.

How will your firm communicate with me about my case?

We believe that clear, consistent communication is essential in criminal defense work. When you hire our firm, we work to explain what is happening now, what is coming next, and what choices you may need to make at each stage. We strive to return calls and messages promptly and to schedule time to go over important developments, such as plea offers, court dates, and strategic decisions.

Because we are a father and son team, you know who is handling your case, and you are not passed from one unfamiliar lawyer to another. Our goal is for you to feel informed and supported, even when the news is difficult. We encourage questions and take the time to answer them in plain English so that you always understand the status of your case.

What happens at my first court appearance on a vehicular assault charge?

The first court appearance, often called an arraignment or initial setting, is usually where the judge confirms the charge, addresses bond or conditions of release, and sets future dates. In Harris County criminal courts and similar courts in the area, these early settings may also involve providing discovery to your lawyer and scheduling future hearings or conferences. You typically will not present evidence or tell your full side of the story at this stage, but it is still an important step in the process.

Before that first appearance, we review your paperwork, discuss what to expect, and talk about how you should respond to questions from the court. We attend the hearing with you, speak on your behalf when appropriate, and start laying the groundwork for how the case will move forward. Knowing what will happen in that courtroom can reduce a lot of the anxiety that people feel before their first court appearance.

I am in the military. How could a vehicular assault case affect my career?

A vehicular assault case can affect your military career in several ways, and the specifics depend on your branch, rank, and duties. Civilian charges and convictions can influence security clearances, eligibility for certain assignments, and how your command views your future in the service. In some situations, commands respond with their own administrative measures or proceedings, separate from what happens in the civilian court system.

Because our attorneys have military backgrounds and knowledge of military criminal law, we understand how closely your career is tied to your record. When we represent a service member, we do not look only at the immediate criminal case. We also consider how different paths might interact with military regulations and expectations. During consultations, we discuss these concerns directly so that you can factor them into your decisions about plea negotiations, contested hearings, and trial.

Talk With Our Team About Your Vehicular Assault Case

If you or someone you care about is facing a felony charge after a serious crash, you are dealing with more than a traffic ticket. You are looking at a criminal case that can shape the rest of your life. Having a seasoned vehicular assault defense lawyer in Houston can make a significant difference in how you understand your options and how your case is presented in court.

At Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., we bring over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience, thousands of serious charges defended, and hundreds of jury trials to every case we accept. We work to protect our clients’ rights, challenge the evidence, and guide them through a complex and stressful process with clear communication. We are based in Houston and also meet with clients by appointment in McAllen, so we are well-positioned to help people across this part of Texas.

We encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation so we can hear your story and explain how we can help. To discuss your vehicular assault case, call (713) 364-9913.