Hit and Run Lawyer in Youngstown

If you are involved in a road accident while driving in Youngstown and fail to stop or provide your contact details, you could face hit-and-run charges. In Ohio, this is treated as a serious offense with significant legal consequences. When facing such allegations, it is critical to secure proper legal representation from a qualified traffic attorney.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our Youngstown criminal lawyer possesses the expertise and experience necessary to defend clients in hit-and-run cases. If you find yourself charged with this offense, do not hesitate to contact us immediately for assistance.

Difference Between “Hit and Skip” and “Hit and Run”

Across the United States, regulations mandate that any driver responsible for an accident must stop and exchange information with the victim or an on-duty police officer. Failing to stop after causing an accident is commonly known as a “Hit and Run.” However, in Ohio, you might hear other terms used to describe this same offense, such as “hit and skip” or “tap and run.” Regardless of the terminology, the legal implications remain severe, often requiring the skills of a Youngstown criminal lawyer to navigate the complexities of the case.

Failing to Stop After an Accident

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4549.02, drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident on a public road are legally required to stop at the scene. Simply pausing is not enough; you must remain at the location and provide specific information—your name, address, and vehicle registration, or the name and address of the vehicle’s owner—to the other party involved. This other party could be an accident victim, the owner of another vehicle, or a police officer.

There are instances where the other individual may be too injured to receive your information. In such cases, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) mandates that you must notify law enforcement and provide your details to them instead. Furthermore, you are required to stay at the scene until the police arrive or until you are transported to a hospital via ambulance.

If you are involved in a collision with an unoccupied vehicle or property, the law requires you to securely attach your details in a visible location on that vehicle or property.

Failure to adhere to these laws—specifically leaving the scene without providing information—will result in hit-and-run charges. In these high-stakes situations, connecting with a Youngstown DUI attorney who also handles traffic violations is essential. Unfortunately, wrongful accusations happen. For instance, you might strike a mailbox or fence, check for damage, see none, and leave, only to be charged later. In scenarios where you are wrongfully accused, an experienced Ohio traffic attorney is your best defense against unfair penalties.

Penalties for Hit and Run

The penalties for a hit-and-run conviction are detailed in ORC 4549.02(B) and depend heavily on the severity of the incident.

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: If you violate the law by failing to stop at the scene, you generally face a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
• Fifth or Fourth-Degree Felony: If the accident results in serious injury and you flee, the charge escalates. A fifth-degree felony carries a sentence of 6 to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Depending on the severity, a fourth-degree felony can result in 6 to 18 months of jail time and fines reaching $5,000.
• Third or Second-Degree Felony: If the accident results in a fatality, the charges become much more grave. A third-degree felony involves a prison term of 9 months to 5 years and a fine of $10,000. A second-degree felony carries a sentence of 2 to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. If it is proven that you knew about the fatality and still fled, you may face even higher felony charges.

Facing these potential penalties highlights the importance of having a Youngstown criminal lawyer by your side to advocate for your rights and potential freedom.

Additionally, ORC 4549.03 states that if you are involved in an accident that damages real estate or personal property adjacent to the road, you must stop, leave your details, and notify the property owner. Failure to take these steps within 24 hours can result in hit-and-run charges. A conviction under this statute is typically a first-degree misdemeanor.

Connect With a Youngstown Traffic Lawyer

Navigating criminal traffic charges in Mahoning County can be overwhelming and legally complex. If you are in this position, reach out to us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our dedicated team will manage the legal proceedings and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you need a traffic defense expert or a Youngstown DUI attorney, we are here to help.For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 412.387.6901 today.