Hit and Run Defense in Steubenville

If you cause a motor vehicle accident on the road in Steubenville and fail to stop to provide your details, you could face hit and run charges. In Ohio, fleeing the scene of a crash is a very serious offense. When dealing with these types of charges, you need reliable legal representation. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our skilled team is fully equipped to defend your rights. Contact us immediately if you have been charged.

“Hit and Skip” vs. “Hit and Run”

Across the United States, the law states that if you cause an accident, you must pull over and share your information with the victim or an on-duty police officer. Fleeing the area makes it a hit and run. Ohio uses alternate terms for this exact same offense, such as hit and skip or tap and run. Navigating these specific laws in Jefferson County can be stressful, but securing a Steubenville criminal lawyer can provide the necessary guidance.

Failing to Stop in Ohio

Per the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4549.02), you must stop your vehicle at the crash scene. You are also required to remain there and provide your name, address, and vehicle registration—or the car owner’s details—to the other party or the police.
If the victim is too badly injured to collect your information, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) requires you to notify law enforcement directly. You must then wait at the scene until the police arrive or an ambulance takes you to the hospital. Working with a dedicated Steubenville OVI attorney is crucial if you failed to meet these strict requirements.

Striking Unoccupied Property

When an accident involves an unattended vehicle or empty property, you must write your details down and securely leave them in a highly conspicuous spot. Leaving prematurely leads to hit and run charges. People are often charged wrongfully—such as bumping a fence, finding no visible damage, and driving off. An experienced Steubenville criminal lawyer can protect you from unjust prosecution in these confusing situations.

Penalties for Fleeing the Scene

ORC 4549.02(B) outlines severe penalties for fleeing. A basic violation is a first-degree misdemeanor carrying up to six months of jail time and a $1,000 fine.
Depending on the severity of the accident, penalties escalate quickly:

• Fifth-degree felony: For crashes causing serious injury (6 to 12 months jail time, up to a $2,500 fine).
• Fourth-degree felony: For crashes with more severe injuries (6 to 18 months jail time, up to a $5,000 fine).
• Third-degree felony: If the crash causes a death (9 months to 5 years jail time, a $10,000 fine).
• Second-degree felony: Fleeing the scene while knowing a fatality occurred (2 to 8 years jail time, up to a $15,000 fine).

Additionally, ORC 4549.03 states that damaging adjacent real or personal property requires notifying the owner within 24 hours. Failure to do so is a first-degree misdemeanor. A skilled attorney can help you challenge these heavy penalties in court.

Call Youngstown Criminal Law Group

Handling these criminal charges alone is overwhelming. Let a trusted Steubenville OVI attorney from Youngstown Criminal Law Group meticulously handle your case to secure the best possible outcome.
For more details, give us a call at (330) 791-8104 today and receive a free consultation.