Vehicular Assault Attorney In Sarasota

Facing Felony Charges After a Serious Crash?

If you are being blamed for a serious crash in or around Sarasota that injured someone, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. Felony traffic charges tied to a collision can threaten your freedom, your license, and your future.

At Fowler Law Group, we help drivers in this situation every day. Our firm is led by James Fowler, a former Sarasota and Bradenton prosecutor who now defends people accused of crimes, including serious DUI and traffic offenses. Our team draws on more than 30 years of collective criminal defense experience to guide you through a high-stakes case with clarity and respect.

If you need a vehicular assault attorney in Sarasota who understands how the State builds these cases and how to challenge them, we encourage you to reach out. We take the time to review the facts, explain your options, and work to protect both your rights and your driving privileges. Contact us online or call (941) 900-3100 today.

Florida Vehicular Assault Charges

Florida law does not use the exact phrase “vehicular assault” in its statutes. However, prosecutors in Sarasota County and Manatee County regularly file serious felony charges when a crash causes injury or death, and they believe a driver was reckless or impaired. These cases can involve allegations such as DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI manslaughter, or reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

In any of these situations, the State Attorney’s Office must prove specific legal elements. Prosecutors generally must show that you were driving, that your conduct went beyond simple carelessness, and that it caused the injury. When alcohol or drugs are alleged, they also try to prove impairment using tests, officer observations, or medical records. These are not minor traffic tickets. Felony traffic charges of this type can carry years in prison, lengthy probation, large fines, and long-term license consequences. A conviction can also create a permanent record that affects job opportunities, professional licensing, and housing applications. Many people who face these charges have never been in trouble before, which can make the situation even more stressful.

In every criminal case, the prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest standard in our legal system. If the State cannot meet that burden, or if the defense raises questions that create reasonable doubt about what really happened, the court should not impose criminal liability. Understanding this standard and how it applies to the facts of your crash is an important part of building a defense. Our attorneys handle a wide range of DUI and traffic crime cases in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which includes Sarasota County. We are familiar with how local prosecutors and judges approach serious injury and fatal crash prosecutions, and we use that knowledge to help clients understand what they are truly facing, not just what is written on a charging document.

How Our Defense Lawyers Help

After a serious crash, your case can move quickly. Law enforcement agencies such as the Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, or Florida Highway Patrol may conduct detailed investigations, and the State Attorney’s Office reviews those reports to decide what charges to file. Having a vehicular assault lawyer in Sarasota involved early can influence how that process unfolds.

When you contact Fowler Law Group, we start by listening carefully to your account of the crash and your concerns. We then obtain and review available evidence, which can include police reports, body camera video, crash diagrams, photographs, and any recorded statements. In DUI-related cases, we look closely at the basis for the stop, field sobriety exercises, breath test procedures, or blood draw issues.

James Fowler’s background as a former prosecutor in Sarasota and Bradenton gives our team insight into how the State evaluates serious crash cases. We understand what evidence prosecutors typically rely on, how they may present it in court, and where weaknesses often appear. This perspective helps us anticipate their strategy and prepare a response. Depending on the facts, potential defense approaches can include challenging whether your driving was truly reckless, raising questions about whether your actions actually caused the injury, or disputing the claimed impairment. In some cases, we focus on whether statements were taken in violation of constitutional rights or whether certain evidence should be excluded. In others, we work to show that the incident was a tragic accident rather than a crime.

We also recognize that not every case goes to trial. Our role as a vehicular assault defense lawyer in Sarasota often includes identifying opportunities to negotiate for reduced charges or more favorable sentencing options when appropriate. Throughout, we stay in close communication with you, explain each step before it happens, and make sure you understand the pros and cons of any decision.

Protecting Your License & Future

For many people, losing the ability to drive is nearly as frightening as the criminal case itself. Felony traffic and DUI-related convictions in Florida can lead to long-term driver license suspensions or revocations through both the court system and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The exact impact depends on the charges, your prior record, and how the case is resolved.

Criminal traffic convictions can also trigger consequences far beyond the courtroom. A felony record can make it more difficult to pass background checks, obtain certain professional licenses, or maintain employment that requires driving. Insurance premiums may rise significantly, and some insurers may decline to renew a policy. These are real-world concerns that matter to our clients and their families.

Our goal is to address both the immediate case and these longer-term effects. In appropriate cases, we work to pursue resolutions that may limit the impact on your record or driving status, such as reduced charges or sentencing options that do not carry the most severe license penalties allowed by law. The options available vary from case to case, so we take time to explain what is realistic for your situation.

If you have just been arrested or contacted by law enforcement after a serious crash, there are practical steps you can take right now:

• Limit conversations about the crash to your attorneys and avoid discussing details with others or online.
• Write down your memory of events while they are still fresh, including road conditions, traffic signals, and any statements made at the scene.
• Preserve documents, photos, and messages that may relate to the crash, and provide them to our team during a consultation.
• Contact a defense lawyer promptly so time-sensitive issues such as bond, early hearings, and license deadlines can be addressed.

We understand that each client’s life circumstances are different. We work to align our strategy with what matters most to you, whether that is avoiding incarceration if possible, maintaining employment, or protecting a professional credential.

Working With Fowler Law Group

Choosing a criminal defense firm for a serious traffic case is an important decision. When you work with Fowler Law Group, you are not just hiring a name on a sign. You are working with a team that values mutual respect and open communication, and that is committed to guiding you through the criminal process from start to finish.

During an initial consultation, we talk through what happened, what you have been charged with so far, and any upcoming court dates at the Sarasota County Courthouse or in Manatee County. We explain in plain language how Florida’s criminal courts operate, what “beyond a reasonable doubt” really means, and what stages to expect in a vehicular assault criminal defense Sarasota case.

As your case progresses, we keep you informed about developments, including interactions with the State Attorney’s Office and scheduling of hearings. Our attorneys prepare thoroughly for each court appearance and take time to answer your questions so you are not surprised when you arrive at court. We strive to return calls and messages promptly because we know uncertainty can make an already stressful situation feel worse. Our firm’s reputation among judges, prosecutors, and other lawyers in this part of Florida is built on preparation, integrity, and strong advocacy. We cannot promise any specific result, but we can promise that we will work to present your case fully and fairly, and that we will stand beside you throughout the process. If you are looking for a vehicular assault lawyer in Sarasota who treats you like a partner in your defense, we invite you to speak with us about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I go to jail for vehicular assault?

Yes, jail or prison time is possible in serious injury crash cases. The potential sentence depends on the specific charge, your record, and the judge's view of the facts. We evaluate these factors, explain realistic ranges, and work to pursue outcomes that reduce the risk of incarceration when circumstances allow.

Is it too late to call you if I already talked to the police?

No, you should still contact us as soon as you can. We review what was said, how statements were obtained, and whether any rights may have been violated. Even if statements are admissible, we can often build strategies that place them in context or focus on other parts of the case.

How does a former prosecutor help in my case?

A former prosecutor understands how the State Attorney’s Office evaluates evidence and decides which charges to file. That insight helps us anticipate arguments, identify weaknesses, and negotiate from an informed perspective. James Fowler’s experience in Sarasota and Bradenton gives our team a practical understanding of how serious crash cases are handled here.

What if I feel guilty about what happened in the crash?

Feeling guilty about a tragic event is common, but legal guilt is a separate question. Our job is to protect your rights and help you navigate a complex system, not to judge you. We assess the evidence, explain your options honestly, and work to reach the best result the circumstances allow.

How quickly should I hire a vehicular assault lawyer?

You should speak with a lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early involvement allows us to address the bond, protect you from further questioning, and begin gathering evidence. Quick action can also be important for license issues and for preserving helpful information about the crash.

Talk With Our Team About Your Case

If you are facing a serious traffic charge after a crash in Sarasota, you do not need to navigate the system alone. Our attorneys at Fowler Law Group are prepared to review the facts, explain the law, and work with you on a strategy tailored to your situation and priorities.

We offer confidential consultations so you can ask questions and understand your options before making decisions about your defense. Our team draws on years of criminal practice, including former prosecutor experience, to help protect your rights, your record, and your ability to move forward.

To speak with a vehicular assault attorney about your case, call (941) 900-3100 now.