When you leave the scene of a traffic accident, you can face serious penalties. A hit and run conviction can have a dramatic impact on your life. If you are up against hit and run charges in Minnesota, you need a qualified defense attorney on your side.

Understanding Hit and Run Charges

A hit and run occurs when the person who causes an accident flees from the scene. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a hit and run charge can lead to significant consequences. In Minnesota, a hit and run can be charged as a misdemeanor, or a felony. The factors most often considered when charges are filed include:

  • Amount of property damage;
  • Extent of bodily injury; and
  • Death of an individual

When you are involved in an accident, you are legally obligated to stop – especially in cases where there is damage, injury, or death. Failure to do so can lead to charges, and a conviction, that carries up to two years in prison and a $4,000 fine. Additionally, you may be responsible for restitution, and you can also lose your driver’s license for an extended period of time.

If a death occurs as a result of your hit and run accident, you can also face additional charges of criminal vehicular homicide. In some cases, the prosecutor will argue that the death actually occurred because you left the scene. Hit and run suspects are frequently subject to extra scrutiny because of the belief that drugs and/or alcohol were probably involved.

Even if there were no other individuals involved in the accident, you still most stop and report it, if there is any damage. For example, if you hit a parked car, a mailbox, or a lamppost, you must stay at the scene and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Failure to do so can lead to hit and run charges, and increase the fines and penalties you will face.

Hit and Run Defense Lawyer

Whether you feel you are guilty or innocent of a hit and run, you need a qualified defense lawyer on your side. Your attorney will build your case by gathering the necessary evidence. In many hit and run cases, the victims will seek damages that go well beyond the actual extent of their injuries. Your attorney can protect you against overblown charges.

With an experienced lawyer on your side, you may be able to get your charges reduced – or even dropped. A hit and run conviction is serious, and can affect many aspects of your life, including your ability to drive, or find employment. The right lawyer will help make sure you don’t have to face these obstacles forever.

Always a Free Consultation

If you are facing hit and run charges, our attorneys can help. At the Brown Law Offices, P.A., we have the experience, and knowledge, to build your case. Don’t let a hit and run conviction destroy your life. Call us today at 763-783-5146 or complete our free online consultation form.