
When someone uses a vehicle to injure or kill another person, they can face serious criminal charges and potentially life-altering penalties. Vehicular assault and vehicular homicide are separate offenses under Ohio’s criminal laws. If you are facing accusations that you committed either crime, you can rely on a Mentor vehicular assault and vehicular homicide lawyer to defend your rights and pursue a favorable resolution to the charges.
Every Hour Matters — Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Say Another Word
Serious criminal charges require a focused, results-driven defense strategy. Fortress Law Group, LLC, represents defendants who are accused of committing a wide range of offenses, including crimes involving vehicular homicide and assault. Our founding attorney is a former prosecutor who is certified in Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement and other courses that police officers undergo, giving him firsthand insight into how OVI investigations are conducted.
When you secure representation from our law firm, you gain the steady support of a legal team that understands what it takes to shield defendants from serious penalties. We take a fresh approach to every case we manage and are willing to explore every viable defense strategy. Our strong record of success has helped us earn and maintain a 4.9-star average Google review.* Trust our dedicated defense team to provide you with the exceptional legal support you deserve.
Ohio law recognizes multiple types of offenses involving serious injury or death caused by motor vehicles. These crimes include:
These offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, with serious offenses potentially resulting in confinement in prison for several years or longer.
In a state where roughly 300 people die every year due to intoxication, these charges could involve allegations that someone was intoxicated at the time of the offense. Such crimes also contribute to Mentor’s annual crime rate of 25.62 per 1,000 residents in a normal year. After an arrest along Johnnycake Ridge Road, on Chillicothe Road, or elsewhere in the area, police may transport the suspect to the Lake County Adult Detention Center in nearby Painesville.
The right defense strategy can significantly affect the outcome of your criminal charges in Mentor. If the offense is tied to accusations of drunk driving, for example, your lawyer can independently examine the evidence to see whether the sobriety test was conducted correctly.
Violations of constitutional rights can lead to evidence being suppressed, while indications that the victim was driving negligently can also result in a favorable outcome. A defense attorney can:
Being arrested near Newell Creek, Mentor Foothills, Mentor Garden Estates, or elsewhere in the area can mark the beginning of a long and stressful ordeal. When you hire a vehicular assault and vehicular homicide lawyer, you gain support from someone who understands Ohio’s vehicular homicide laws and how to defend a complex vehicular assault case.
A Mentor vehicular assault and vehicular homicide attorney can:
Defense attorneys can have a critical role in the outcome of these cases. They can:
By taking a strategic approach, they can cast doubt on the state’s allegations so you can stand the strongest chance of avoiding serious penalties.
Protect Your Reputation and Future — Speak With a Defense Attorney Now
Sentencing for vehicular homicide varies from case to case, so there is no readily available “average” sentence for vehicular homicide. The penalties depend on the specific charge, whether alcohol or drugs were involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and other aggravating or mitigating factors. Some convictions can result in lengthy mandatory prison sentences.
The long-term consequences of a felony conviction can go far beyond the initial punishments. A felony record can make it more difficult to:
A conviction can also strain personal relationships and damage your reputation within the community.
Unintentionally killing someone is still a potential criminal offense. Negligence could influence whether someone faces criminal charges for causing the death of someone else. Prosecutors must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and an experienced defense attorney can challenge the evidence and allegations. Ultimately, the outcome of a homicide case may depend on the defense’s ability to cast doubt on the state’s case.
To secure a conviction for vehicular manslaughter in Mentor, Ohio, prosecutors must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This can involve proving that the defendant caused another person’s death while committing an underlying traffic offense or acting in a criminally negligent manner. A defense attorney can challenge whether the evidence supports each required element of the charge.
A conviction for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide can result in severe penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. At Fortress Law Group, LLC, we recognize the seriousness of these charges. Our firm can assert your rights at every stage of the legal process. Our founding attorney is a former prosecutor who uses his experience to develop effective defense strategies for clients.
We can thoroughly investigate every aspect of the case, from the accident itself to the evidence gathered by law enforcement. Once we have thoroughly looked into the matter, we can move forward with the right defense strategy. Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC, today to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our legal team.
*Client testimonials are based on their individual cases. Results can vary.
★★★★★
“Attorney Matt Bangerter and his administrator Mia made it easy for me to provide the information they needed for my case through their online portal. Mia was always available to answer questions. Today, at court, Matt negotiated an incredibly positive outcome. I am pleased to recommend Fortress Law Group, LLC for your legal matters.” – Linda
★★★★★
“I can’t thank Matt enough for everything he did for me during my case. From the start he was honest knowledgeable and trustworthy. In court he was confident and professional, it was clear he knew exactly what he was doing. If you are in a tough spot and need someone to fight for you I highly recommend Fortress Law Group.” – Sarah
★★★★★
“Mr. Bangerter is a very professional lawyer. All questions were kept confidential and answered quickly. If needed would definitely use his services again.” – Lynn Hupp
*Client testimonials reflect their individual cases. They do not guarantee future results.


Founder, Fortress Law Group, LLC
Matthew draws on his unique background as a former Assistant Prosecutor and his scientific expertise in molecular genetics to bring unparalleled precision and strategy to criminal defense in Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges, serious felony indictments, or federal prosecution, he builds defense strategies rooted in forensic evidence analysis, cutting-edge legal theory, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your constitutional rights and positioning you for the strongest outcome in court.