Vehicular Assault Attorney In Temecula

Serious Charges Call For Focused Criminal Defense

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a driving incident that caused injury in Temecula, you are facing a very serious situation. A vehicular assault allegation can put your freedom, your record, and your driver’s license at risk. You may feel as if no one wants to hear your side of what happened.

I am attorney David Grande, and my criminal defense practice is dedicated to representing people accused of crimes in California courts. Since 2002, I have focused on criminal law, including cases that involve alleged injuries on the road. I understand how quickly a split-second event can turn into a felony accusation. I offer a confidential, no-cost consultation so you can understand what you are facing and how I may be able to help. You can speak directly with me about your charges, the circumstances of the crash, and the next steps in Riverside County court.

Call (951) 221-4331 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Hire Me For Vehicular Assault

When you are accused of causing harm with a vehicle, you need a lawyer who lives in the criminal courts, not someone who only occasionally handles these cases. From the start of my career, I have devoted my practice to criminal defense work. That focus means I spend my time studying how prosecutors build cases and how judges respond to different arguments and facts.

I have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2013. This recognition reflects years spent in courtrooms arguing on behalf of clients and preparing cases as if they could go to trial. Even if your matter resolves through negotiation, that trial readiness often shapes how the prosecution views your case. Most cases that begin with a Temecula arrest are handled in Riverside County courts, including the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. I regularly appear in those courts and deal with the same judges, district attorneys, and law enforcement agencies that will be involved in your case. Knowing their usual practices and priorities helps me evaluate how your vehicular assault in Temecula criminal defense strategy should be shaped.

My approach is always personal. I sit down with you, ask detailed questions, and review your paperwork so I can understand what really happened from your perspective. I do not apply a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, I work to develop a defense that accounts for your facts, your history, and your goals, whether that means challenging the allegations, seeking reduced charges, or pursuing sentencing options that protect your future.

Understanding Vehicular Assault Charges

Many people who contact me are unsure exactly what they have been charged with. They may hear terms such as assault with a deadly weapon using a vehicle, DUI causing injury, or reckless driving causing injury. In California, a car or truck can be treated as a dangerous object when prosecutors believe it was used in a way that was likely to cause serious harm. The specific charge in your case depends on several factors. These can include whether alcohol or drugs are alleged, the seriousness of any injuries, the number of people involved, and your prior record, if any. Allegations of great bodily injury, very high speeds, racing, or fleeing the scene can increase the potential consequences significantly.

Possible penalties for these offenses can include county jail or state prison time, probation, fines, restitution orders to pay alleged victims, and long-term effects on your driver’s license. A felony conviction can also affect employment, professional licenses, housing, and immigration status. In Riverside County, prosecutors typically take injury cases arising from Temecula crashes very seriously, particularly when they involve claims of intoxication.

At the same time, the charge written on the complaint is only a starting point. The prosecution still has to prove intent or recklessness, causation, and the extent of any injury. As your vehicular assault defense lawyer in Temecula, I carefully examine whether the legal elements match the facts. There are situations where a tragic accident is treated as a crime even though the evidence raises real questions about what actually occurred.

Understanding what you are accused of and what the law requires is the first step toward making informed choices. During our initial meeting, I walk you through the charges in plain language, explain potential sentencing ranges, and discuss where there may be room to challenge the case or argue for a different outcome.

How I Build Your Defense

Once you understand the allegations, the next question is how your defense will be built. My work begins with a close review of every available piece of information, including police reports, body camera footage, accident diagrams, photographs, and any witness statements. I look for details that may have been overlooked, misunderstood, or presented in a way that favors only one version of the events.

In many vehicular assault cases, key issues include who was actually at fault, how fast the vehicles were traveling, what the weather and lighting conditions were, and whether any mechanical problems may have contributed. If alcohol or drugs are alleged, I examine how field sobriety tests were administered, how blood or breath samples were obtained, and whether proper procedures were followed.

Causation is often central. The fact that an injury occurred during a crash does not always mean that a crime was committed. I explore whether other drivers’ actions, sudden moves by pedestrians, unexpected obstacles, or road design may have played a role. When it is useful for your case, I can work with independent resources, such as accident reconstruction professionals or medical records, to clarify what is supported by evidence.

Because I regularly handle criminal matters that arise out of the Temecula area, I am familiar with how law enforcement prepares reports and how Riverside County prosecutors tend to evaluate serious traffic incidents. That experience helps me anticipate which aspects of your case they are likely to focus on and where there may be room to present a different perspective. Throughout this process, I stay in communication with you. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case, the risks of trial, and the possibilities of negotiating different charges or sentencing terms. I do not promise specific results. Instead, I work to put you in the best possible position within the facts of your case and the law.

What To Do After An Arrest

After a vehicular assault arrest, it is common to feel pressure from many directions at once. Police may want more statements, alleged victims or their families may attempt to contact you, and friends may offer conflicting advice. The decisions you make in the early days can affect how your case unfolds, so careful steps matter.

Several actions can help protect you while your case is being investigated and filed in court:

• Use your right to remain silent: You are not required to discuss the incident with law enforcement without an attorney. Statements you make, even when you are trying to be helpful, can be misunderstood or used against you later.
• Avoid talking about the case with others: Do not post about the crash on social media or discuss details with anyone other than your lawyer. Casual comments can easily be misquoted or brought into court.
• Preserve helpful information: If you safely can, gather contact information for witnesses, save photos or videos of the scene, and keep any medical records if you were injured. These materials may support your version of events.
• Pay attention to court dates: Cases that begin in Temecula are often scheduled at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. Missing a court appearance can lead to additional problems, including a warrant. I help clients understand when and where to appear and what to expect.
• Contact a defense lawyer quickly: Early involvement allows me to advise you before you make decisions about statements, hearings, or potential offers. It also gives more time to investigate and prepare your defense.

When you reach out to me, I explain the basic stages of a Riverside County criminal case, such as arraignment, pretrial conferences, and possible motion hearings or trial. My goal is to replace confusion with a clear plan so you understand what is happening and why at each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for vehicular assault?

There is always some risk of custody time in serious injury cases, but the outcome depends on your charges, prior record, and the facts. I review these factors, then work to reduce your exposure through negotiations or contested hearings when appropriate.

Should I talk to police about the crash?

In most situations, it is safer not to give detailed statements before speaking with a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent. Once I understand your case, we can decide together whether any communication with law enforcement is in your best interest.

How soon should I hire a lawyer after arrest?

It is usually best to involve a lawyer as early as you can. Early representation allows me to guide you through the first court date, advise you on contact with others, and begin reviewing the evidence. Waiting can limit options and make it harder to address problems quickly.

How does your Riverside County experience help me?

Because I routinely appear in Riverside County courts, I understand local procedures and how judges and prosecutors often handle injury cases. This familiarity helps me assess how your case may be viewed and which strategies are realistic for your situation.

What happens at my first court date?

The first appearance, often called an arraignment, is where the charges are formally read and you enter a plea. The judge may address release terms and future dates. When I represent you, I explain what to expect in advance and stand with you in court.

Call For A Free Consultation

A vehicular assault accusation in the Temecula area can change your life if it is not handled carefully. You do not have to face the criminal justice system alone or guess about your options. Speaking with a lawyer who focuses on criminal defense can help you make informed decisions from the start.

For more than two decades, I have defended people in California criminal courts, and I have been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers since 2013. I regularly handle cases in Riverside County, and I offer a no cost, confidential consultation to discuss a path forward. If you are looking for a vehicular assault lawyer Temecula can rely on for careful, individualized attention, I invite you to contact my office today.

Call (951) 221-4331 to schedule your free consultation with The Law Office of David E Grande.