Being involved in an automobile accident can be traumatic. Even if you weren’t injured, the impact of an accident is far more than physical. While your adrenaline is pumping from fear, stress, and shock, many people make poor decisions. If you are now facing charges of hit and run, this is very likely what happened, and how you felt.
And now you are accused of a criminal offense for leaving the scene of an accident. I know you are concerned that you have to appear in court and risk serious penalties and a criminal record if you are found guilty.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you can be extremely important to help you resolve your case favorable, as well as help put your mind at ease during a stressful time. In order to understand the charges against you and exactly what kind of penalty you might be facing, a consultation with a defense attorney is crucial.
Duty to Stop
In all states, you are required to stop your car when involved in an auto accident. This doesn’t just apply to serious accidents. This applies to fender benders and minor property damage.
Whether it was a minor incident with minimal damage or a more serious accident with injuries, you must stop and return to the scene. At the minimum you are required to share your name, contact information, and insurance with any other party. In most situations you are required to provide reasonable assistance to anyone who might have been injured.
If you fail to stop you will face criminal charges.
The exact charge you face typically depends on the result of the accident, with the more serious criminal charges being reserved for accidents that result in injury and even death.
However, even when property damage is the only result, you can still face misdemeanor charges. In addition, you can possible lose your driving privileges with a suspended license, get points on your license, face increased insurance rates. You could possibly be required to get high risk driver insurance if the incident is serious enough, or you have other driving incidents and tickets in your recent driving history.
A hit and run is a serious offense. Even if no one is hurt, you are at risk of significant fines and costs, and even possible jail time.
And the charges can be complicated to work through and defend. You help from a defense lawyer who understands criminal law in your state, as well as the significant implications you could face to your driver’s license. There may be options you can pursue in a DMV hearing.
Defend your right to drive by consulting with a criminal defense lawyer who can help with a leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) charge.
