Howard County Hit and Run Lawyer
Leaving the scene of an accident is both a traffic infraction as well as a crime. The penalties can be very serious if the accident produced serious injuries or a fatality. However, there are defenses that can be raised to secure innocence and protect your rights and future.
A Howard County hit and run lawyer knows how stressful it can be to get accused of a hit and run. Let an experienced traffic attorney fight for you.
Hit and Run Laws
Leaving the scene of a car accident can violate Maryland Transportation Code § 20-104. This statute requires drivers who have been involved in a crash that caused property damage, a serious bodily injury, or a fatality to remain on the scene of the accident to “render reasonable assistance” to the victims of the accident. The law also requires drivers to provide the following information to those impacted by the crash, to ensure further communication can be made:
- Name
- Address
- Registration number of their vehicle
- Driver’s license number
Failing to abide by these legal requirements can lead to a criminal charge for a hit and run, as well as repercussions from the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These procedures move forward simultaneously, adding confusion to the process.
The Criminal Aspect of a Hit and Run
The more severe aspect of a hit and run situation is the criminal process. Because leaving the scene of a crash is a crime, prosecutors and law enforcement can gather evidence that a suspect broke the law and, if they think they have enough evidence, charge them for a crime.
If prosecutors present evidence that shows, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant did commit a hit and run, the repercussions are severe: If the defendant should have known that the accident caused a serious bodily injury, a conviction carries up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If the defendant should have known that the accident was a fatal one, those penalties increase still further – up to $10,000 in fines and 10 years in jail. This is why it is essential for defendants to reach out to a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
Actions Taken by the DMV
While the criminal process is ongoing, the DMV will also be conducting its own investigation into a possible hit and run. The penalties that the DMV can issue, however, are far less severe – they are limited to a hit and run suspect’s right to drive. If the DMV determines that a hit and run occurred, points will be added to the driver’s record. This can lead to a license suspension in many cases.
While this seems light when compared to the criminal process, there is an important caveat: Because the DMV’s penalties do not implicate property or liberty, the defendant has far fewer due process rights. Therefore, the DMV process can fly by very quickly and leave a defendant confused about when they were able to challenge the allegations.
This uncertainty about the process highlights the need to have a Howard County hit and run lawyer to defend against an accusation of hit and run.
How a Howard County Hit and Run Attorney Could Help
Being accused of a hit and run is a serious allegation to face. The repercussions are serious – even the DMV’s penalties alone can change your life by taking away your right to drive for a significant time period.
Hiring a Howard County hit and run lawyer to help defend against the charges could be the best way to protect your future from a serious allegation. Call today for the consultation that can get your case started.