What could happen if I caused a hit and run?

Question

I was in a small accident and left the scene on foot.  What could happen?

Jules N. Fiani · Answer

You could be charged with the criminal offenses of failure to report an accident and leaving the scene of an accident.

William Guy Pontrello · Answer

If no one finds you, nothing. If you hit someone, problems. If hit something not too bad, get a lawyer ASAP.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

You could get convicted of a crime and go to jail. DO NOT TALK TO THE POLICE.  If they want to talk to you it is so that they can get a confession. Often in  these cases the police know who owned the car involved but can't prove that the  person was driving if he does not admit it. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN  SILENT!!!!!!!!!

Seth Bloom · Answer

If there were witnesses and police were notified you can be charged with criminal hit and run driving.  If there were no death or injuries involved, then a conviction, in Louisiana, carries potential sentences of fines of up to $500 and jail time of 10 days - 6 months.  If death or bodily injury occurred as a direct result, then the sentencing guidelines increase to fines of up to $5,000 and jail time of up to 10 years.  Additionally you may be liable in civil litigation for damages to person and/or property.  Because of the potentially serious nature of such charges, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you.  If you are seeking legal representation in this matter in Louisiana, we invite you to contact our firm at the information on this page for a free case evaluation.

Jared Altman · Answer

You could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. The penalties get worse if property damage was involved and then still worse if anyone got hurt.

Andrew Subin · Answer

You could be charged with felony hit and run if someone was injured.  If there was no other car / person involved, you could be charged with misdemeanor hit and run.

Kevin Michael Smith · Answer

You could likely be charged with evading responsibility.

Leonard Harden · Answer

CAO can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony if there is damage, injury, or personal injury.   The determining factor is the dollar amount, greater than a $1000 can be a felony.    You should contact a criminal defense lawyer ASAP.

Roianne Houlton Conner · Answer

You could be charged with Leaving the Scene of the accident.  If anyone was hurt and you were at fault you might be charged with assault.

Craig Elhart · Answer

First, how did you cause the accident?  Without this information an answer is not possible.  Depending on the facts, you could have no responsibility at one end to possibly being charged with leaving the scene on the other.

Andrew Roberts · Answer

This can be quite serious . You face potential criminal charges which have long lasting effects. You need an attorney right away to deal with. I have dealt with this numerous times and prevented or lessened criminal charges. You also face possible DMV issues .

Michael Chastaine · Answer

You can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the damage or whether and one was injuried.  Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

Peter Castleberry · Answer

It depends on the the type of accident. Under Oregon law, there are basically two different types of "hit and run" crimes. If you are in an accident that involves only property damage, you could potentially be charged with Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver When Property is Damaged (ORS 811.700). This crime is a class A misdemeanor which carries up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $6,250. If you are in accident that involved injury to a person, you could potentially be charged with Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver to Injured Persons (ORS 811.705). This crime is a class C felony which carries a maximum of 5 years in prison and a maximum $125,000 fine. If the accident involved "serious physical injury" to another, the crime can be charged as a class B felony which carries up to 10 years jail and a $250,000 fine. However, the statutory maximums for felonies can be very misleading and a person convicted of felony "hit and run" will not serve anywhere near the statutory maximum, even if sentenced by the harshest judge. In "hit and run" scenarios, the prosecutor may also choose to charge the crime of Reckless Driving, which is a class A misdemeanor.

Jeff Yeh · Answer

Get an attorney before you begin incriminating yourself. People may start calling you.

Michael D. Fluke · Answer

The name of the charge is Leaving the Scene of an Accident.  If it is with injuries, it is third degree felony.  Without injury it is a misdemeanor.  I suggest you consult a local Criminal Defense attorney to discuss your case in greater detail and learn all of your rights and options.  Good luck.

Terry Nelson · Answer

Arrest when caught.  Youll learn the actual charge[s] filed against you when you appear for arraignment at your first court hearing.  What can you do?  You should promptly consult with counsel to see what can and should be done now.  It may be possible to work out a deal with the other parties that would avoid them filing or pursuing criminal charges against you.    If contacted about the accident, hire an attorney, unless you know how to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor intending to convict.  No amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or anywhere else are going to effectively help you in your defense, other than the advice to exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to anyone except an attorney about the case.  That includes on this or any other web site or public forum.  Most police and prosecutors will happily tell you that 95% of people convict themselves by trying to be 'helpful and cooperative', either during initial contact, questioning, interview or interrogation.

Timothy Klisz · Answer

You could be charged with a variety of felonies and or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the accident.

Christopher McCann · Answer

You can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony "hit and run" under Vehicle Code sections 20001 or 20002 depending on whether there were physical injuries caused or just property damage, as well as your prior record. Many minor accidents without injuries don't result in jail time, and you may even be able to get a "civil compromise" under Penal Code 1377 and 1378, meaning that if you pay for the damages, and the victim agrees, you may be able to get the DA or judge to dismiss the case. If is best to hire an attorney immediately who can contact the victim on your behalf to start this process immediately.

Gregory Casale · Answer

Hire a lawyer and then turn yourself in. That's really the best thing that you can do. Let the lawyer speak for you so that you do not cause yourself any more harm than is necessary.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

You did not say whether or not the vehicle was occupied. This is very important. If there was no one in the vehicle, and it is property damage only, then this is a hit and run unattended.   This is what is called a misdemeanor. The penalty is a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. If the vehicle was occupied, then it is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 1 year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. Neither offense has a mandatory minimum jail time.  In other words, a conviction does not necessarily mean that you will go to jail.

Dennis Roberts · Answer

You will be prosecuted for a hit and run. You will probably lose your license.

Jared Austin · Answer

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony will depend on whether how much damage was done to the car or if anyone was injured or killed. You should seek out an experienced criminal attorney right away.

Jonathan Willett · Answer

A hit and run is equivalent to a DUI in Colorado12 points against your drivers license and up to a year in jail plus fines and costs.

Joseph Dane · Answer

Hit and run can be either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on whether or not somebody was injured.  Hit and run with property damage only is a misdemeanor.  With an injury, it can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. You could face jail time, points on your license, restitution and probation.  It's time to sit down face to face with a local criminal defense attorney to discuss the facts and your options.

Brandon Moffitt · Answer

You can be charged with a crime. Depending on the facts, it could be a misdemeanor or felony.

Edward Kroll · Answer

There is likely a warrant out for you.If you are the registered owner of the vehicle you were driving, the police likely know who you are. Leaving the scene of a property accident is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. Most often, the sentence involves probation, a fine, community service, and restitution to the person whom you hit. These cases can be tricky. If you wish to stay out of custody and get started on your case, I would recommend calling an attorney as soon as you can. An attorney may be able to keep you from being arrested, and can deal with the charges if they are filed.

Paul J. Wallin · Answer

If you were involved in a "hit and run" which means you were in an accident and you left the scene without providing your identifying information and proof of insurance, you can be prosecuted for a misdemeanor or a felony. What you are prosecuted for will depend if there was any injuries to anyone in the accident. You can be arrested. You should immediately contact a criminal defense firm to assist you so you can map out the best plan for your defense.

Eric Rothstein · Answer

You can be arrested for leaving the scene of an accident. Have you placed your auto carrier of notice in case you get sued?  You should retain counsel to discuss how to proceed.

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