Understanding Felony Hit and Run: A Legal Perspective
The term hit and run refers to a situation where a driver involved in an accident with another vehicle, property, or individual fails to stop and provide identification. Felony hit and run is when, in addition to leaving the scene, the accident resulted in injury or death. It is important to have the right felony hit and run lawyer on your side.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run?
In general, felony hit and run incident occurs when three elements are met:
- The accident involved the defendant.
- The driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide contact information or aid.
- The offense results in an injury to the driver.
Understanding the Severity of Felony Hit and Run
A hit and run incident is classified as a felony if it results in serious bodily harm or death. In cases where the incident causes injury, the government will upgrade hit and run charge to a class C felony. This leads to a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. If the person has no prior history, the sentence for a Hit and Run involving injury ranges from 3 to 9 months. However, if the hit and run accident results in a fatality, it escalates to a class B felony. The maximum penalty for this offense includes imprisonment for up to 10 years and up to a $20,000 fine. For a Hit and Run conviction where the incident led to a death, the standard sentencing range is between 31 and 41 months in prison. That is why it is important to have the right felony hit and run lawyer on your side.
In addition to the above charges, there is also a license suspension with the DOL.
Conclusion
The classification of the offense, whether as a misdemeanor or felony, significantly impacts the legal proceedings and potential outcomes. Individuals facing such charges should seek professional legal advice from a criminal defense attorney to navigate the complexities of their specific case.
