When you learn how to drive, a portion of the instructional time will be dedicated to learning what to do after an accident. Though no one gets behind the car with the intention of causing a collision, these do happen, so understanding what to do in the aftermath is critical. However, if you are accused of fleeing the scene of an accident, you can face serious consequences if you are found guilty of this offense. The following blog explores the penalties for a hit-and-run in further detail and why it’s critical to connect with a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer who can assist you in these matters.
What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run?
Generally, if you are involved in a collision with another driver, you must stop your vehicle, exchange insurance information with the other party, and wait for the police to arrive depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you do not stop after causing an accident, whether you hit another car, parked vehicle, property, or a pedestrian, it warrants a hit-and-run.
What Penalties Will I Face for a Hit-and-Run?
If you are accused of a hit-and-run, you’ll find that the penalties you can face will depend on several factors, as these can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. Typically, if you leave the scene of an accident and no one was hurt but there was property damage, this will be a misdemeanor charge. However, just because it isn’t a felony doesn’t mean the penalties you can face will be light. This carries up to six months in jail or misdemeanor probation, up to $1,000 in fines, reimbursement for property damage, and two points on your license.
However, if the accident you fled from caused an injury or death, the penalties grow even more severe. Generally, you’ll find that this is a wobbler crime, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If it is a misdemeanor, the penalties will increase to up to one year in jail and the potential for up to $10,000 in fines. When it is charged as a felony, you will face the same fines but between two and four years in a state prison.
What Should I Do if Charged?
If you are accused of committing a hit-and-run, whether a felony or misdemeanor charge, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of assuming this is just a simple traffic violation, which can lead to unfavorable outcomes as they may not realize they can fight a conviction.
By working with an attorney, your lawyer can help determine the best course of action for your circumstances. For example, they may be able to prove that you were simply driving away to try and find a safe location to pull over, as required by law when a collision happens. Similarly, you may be able to use ignorance of the fact that a collision occurred as an excuse.
Regardless of your circumstances, connecting with an experienced attorney is in your best interest when you’re placed under arrest for an alleged hit-and-run accident. At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we understand how nerve-wracking these matters can be, which is why we are ready to assist you through these complicated times. Contact our firm today to learn more.