When you get into an accident, everyone is supposed to pull over and exchange insurance information. When someone leaves the scene of an accident without doing that, it’s called a hit-and-run. If you have been accused of a hit-and-run, you could be facing some rather harsh penalties. A Bergen County criminal defense lawyer will do everything that they can to help you defend yourself from these accusations.
Can I Go to Jail Over a Hit-and-Run?
You can go to jail for a hit-and-run. It’s not uncommon for drivers to get sentenced to prison stays lasting from 30 days to a year because they got into an accident and left the scene. You are more likely to get prison time if someone was injured in this accident, but this punishment is still potentially on the table even if everyone was unhurt.
Another issue is that you could be charged for other crimes in addition to the hit-and-run. Those charges can come with jail time. Reckless driving or DUI charges are good examples of this.
What Other Punishments Can I Receive for a Hit-and-Run?
Even if you avoid jail time, the penalties for a hit-and-run can end up being quite harsh. You are likely to face:
- Fines of $200 to $5,000
- Community service
- A suspension of your license for at least 30 days
- Forced enrollment in a driver’s ed course
- The addition of multiple points to your license
How harsh your punishment will be often depends on how much damage was caused and how many previous charges you have. For example, a first-time offense where no one was injured could result in penalties like a $400 fine, a six-month license suspension, 30 days in jail, or a combination of similar punishments. Meanwhile, a second or third offense or an incident where people got injured could result in fines of up to $5,000, a permanently suspended license, or even a prison stay lasting five to ten years.
How Can I Defend Myself Against These Charges?
There are a few ways to defend yourself from hit-and-run charges. Every case is different, so your defense attorney will look at the exact circumstances of your case and determine what kind of defensive strategy might be effective for you. You can claim:
Lack of knowledge: An accident occurred, but you had no idea that you contributed to it or that you were involved.
Mistaken identity: Someone identified you as the driver who fled the scene, but they were wrong.
Duress: You did leave the scene, but only because you were under duress or threatened by someone else.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are facing hit-and-run charges, don’t risk losing your license or getting sentenced to time in prison. Contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to schedule a consultation and talk to attorneys who will do everything that they can to help you fight these charges and stand up for your rights.
