Vehicular Assault Lawyer in Bakersfield
Serious Charges Need A Clear Defense Plan
Being accused of causing injury with a vehicle can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be facing jail or prison, a felony record, and lifelong consequences, all while you are still trying to process what happened. In this situation, you need a calm, experienced guide, not more confusion.
At Campbell Whitten, we defend people accused of serious driving offenses, including DUI-related injury cases and other vehicular assault type charges. Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal and DUI cases, and we understand how Kern County prosecutors and judges typically approach these allegations. We work to move quickly so your side of the story is heard. If you are looking for a vehicular assault attorney that Bakersfield defendants can talk to right away, we offer free initial consultations. You can speak directly with one of our attorneys, get clear information about what you are facing, and start building a plan for your defense.
Call (661) 771-3077 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.
Why Choose Campbell Whitten
When you are dealing with a charge that involves serious injury, you cannot afford to feel like just another file on someone’s desk. We treat each case with urgency and importance, and we start working promptly so that evidence is preserved and options are not lost. Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of what comes next and how we can help.
Our attorneys are trial-ready, and we embrace the courtroom when that is the best path for a client. Unlike some practices that view trial as something to avoid because of cost or complexity, we prepare from day one as if your case may be heard by a jury in the Kern County Superior Court in Bakersfield. Many clients appreciate that we often handle the trial process without adding separate attorney trial fees, which can reduce uncertainty about costs if the case goes that far.
We also focus on personal attention. You meet with an attorney, not just staff, and we work with you to build a concrete, practical plan for your case. This includes discussing your work, family, immigration concerns, and other parts of your life that may be affected by a vehicular assault criminal defense in Bakersfield. We strive to keep you informed at each step so you are never left wondering what is happening. Our team brings significant credentials and local experience. Clayton Campbell has been licensed in California since 2002 and is a member of America’s DUI and DWI Attorneys and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Jesse Whitten has been licensed in California since 2004 and is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer for 2014, and he holds a 5.0 out of 5.0 Avvo review score.
Attorney Bill Slocumb has been licensed in California since 1981 and has served as City Attorney for the City of Shafter and Assistant City Attorney for the City of Bakersfield. This background gives our firm familiarity with how matters move through local government and the Kern County courts. Together, our attorneys’ experience and trial history help us build defenses tailored to the realities of Bakersfield and the surrounding area.
What Vehicular Assault Charges Mean
Many people are unsure what vehicular assault really means in California. In practice, these cases often involve allegations that someone drove under the influence and caused injury, or that a driver acted with reckless or grossly negligent disregard for safety, and someone was hurt as a result. You may see charges involving DUI with injury, felony reckless driving, or other serious driving offenses, depending on the specific facts.
These are not simple traffic tickets. Depending on the charge and the level of injury, you may be facing jail or state prison, fines, probation conditions, restitution to injured parties, mandatory programs, and significant restrictions on your driving privileges. Felony convictions can also affect your ability to work in certain fields, hold professional licenses, or obtain housing.
The consequences can reach even further. For some noncitizens, serious driving offenses that involve injury can create immigration risks. For many people, a conviction can also affect child custody, security clearances, or other parts of life that depend on a clean record. When we handle a vehicular assault case, we work to understand how the charge could affect your long-term future, not just the immediate sentence. Every case is different, and the exact charge the prosecutor files often depends on factors like injury level, prior record, and the evidence gathered at the scene. In Kern County, these decisions are generally made by local prosecutors who regularly appear in the Bakersfield courthouse. Having a defense team that has handled many DUI and serious injury cases in that same court can help you better understand what is likely and how we can respond.
Our Approach To Vehicular Assault Defense
Once you understand the stakes, the next question is how your case will actually be defended. At Campbell Whitten, we focus on building a clear, step-by-step strategy. This starts with carefully reviewing police reports, crash diagrams, photographs, and any available video. In DUI-related cases, we look closely at breath or blood test procedures and results, including whether officers followed required protocols.
We look at the whole story, not just a single narrative in a report. That can include road conditions, visibility, actions of other drivers, and whether what happened was truly criminal behavior or a tragic accident. In some cases, there may be issues with how speed or impairment was estimated. In others, witness statements may be incomplete, inconsistent, or influenced by the chaos of the scene.
After we have examined the evidence, we talk with you in detail about what you recall, your background, and your priorities. Together, we develop a plan that may include filing motions to challenge certain evidence, negotiating with prosecutors where appropriate, and preparing fully for the possibility of trial in the Kern County Superior Court. As a firm, we believe that being prepared for trial strengthens our position at every stage.
Communication is a key part of our approach. We provide honest assessments about the strengths and weaknesses of the case, potential plea options, and the risks of different paths. Our attorneys stay in contact as your case moves through arraignment, pretrial hearings, and any trial, so you are not left guessing about what is coming next. We know this is one of the most stressful times in your life, and our aim is to bring structure and clarity to a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
What To Do After An Arrest
If you or a family member has been arrested or contacted by law enforcement about a serious injury crash, it can be hard to know what to do first. The steps you take now can affect how your case is built and what options you have later. Taking calm, focused action is more helpful than trying to handle everything on your own.
One of the most important things you can do is limit what you say about the incident until you have legal advice. Well-intentioned explanations to officers, other drivers, or even friends can sometimes be misunderstood or used out of context later. It is usually safer to assert your right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering questions.
If you have access to information that may matter later, such as photographs of the scene, contact information for witnesses, or medical records, it can be helpful to preserve these. You should not, however, try to investigate the case yourself. When you meet with us, we can talk about what you have and how it may fit into a broader defense plan for a vehicular assault criminal defense Bakersfield case.
Early court hearings often take place at the Kern County Superior Court in downtown Bakersfield. At your first appearance, the court typically informs you of the charges and addresses bail or release conditions. When we are involved, we work to prepare you for what to expect at each appearance and to address concerns about custody, employment, and family obligations.
Call (661) 771-3077 to schedule your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for vehicular assault?
Jail or prison is a possibility in many serious driving cases, but it is not automatic. The outcome depends on factors like the exact charge, injury level, prior record, and the strength of the evidence. We work to understand your situation and pursue options that limit custody whenever possible.
Does a DUI accident with injuries mean I am guilty?
No. An accident with injuries does not automatically mean you committed a crime. Prosecutors must still prove each element of the charge. We review how the stop, testing, and investigation were handled and look at all circumstances of the crash before advising you about defenses and options.
How soon should I call a vehicular assault lawyer?
It is usually best to contact an attorney as soon as you know there is an investigation or arrest. Early involvement allows us to start protecting your rights and preserving helpful information. Our firm offers free consultations, so you can quickly speak with a lawyer about your next steps.
How will your attorneys keep me informed?
We believe clear communication is part of strong defense work. Our attorneys meet with you to explain the process, discuss strategy, and answer questions. As your case moves through the Kern County courts, we provide updates and review decisions together so you always know what is happening.
Can I afford a vehicular assault attorney in Bakersfield?
We understand financial concerns are real when facing serious charges. We offer free initial consultations so you can learn about your options without cost. Our firm often handles the trial phase without adding separate attorney trial fees, and we can explain our fee structure in detail when we talk.
Take The Next Step Toward Your Defense
If you are facing a serious driving charge that involves injury, you do not have to navigate this alone. Meeting with a vehicular assault lawyer Bakersfield residents trust can help you understand what the law says, what is likely in the local courts, and what can be done to protect your future.
At Campbell Whitten, we bring trial readiness, extensive criminal defense experience, and a strong commitment to personal attention. Our attorneys work to move quickly, build clear defense plans, and keep you informed. Your first step is simply to talk with us about what happened and what you are worried about.
We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after an arrest or if you believe charges may be filed. We offer free initial consultations, and you can speak directly with an attorney about your situation. Hablamos español, so if you or a family member prefers to communicate in Spanish, we can accommodate that and make sure you fully understand your options. Call today!
