All Charges Withdrawn for Hit-and-Run Case: How Did Our Lawyers Do It?

Among all the criminal accusations, a hit-and-run charge is probably one of the most stressful experiences for an individual. It showcases moral and legal culpability that can devastate a person’s life, even if there isn’t any strong evidence!

For our client in Philadelphia, the stakes were very high. He was wrongfully accused of a hit-and-run case and faced severe penalties if convicted.

And that’s exactly where our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers took swift action and leveraged the appeals process to secure a complete withdrawal of all charges. This is a case that highlights the sheer necessity of having a skillful criminal lawyer who is prepared to fight beyond the trial court level.

Charges and Penalties for Hit-and-Run Cases

In Pennsylvania, the charges and penalties for a hit-and-run case depend on the severity of the damages. If the accident involves only property damage to an attended vehicle, it is considered a misdemeanor of the third degree. This carries penalties of up to one year of imprisonment and a $2,500 fine.

Now, if the crash causes injuries or death, the penalties naturally become more severe. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is categorized as a felony of the third degree. This means mandatory imprisonment, license suspension, and much higher fines. Added to that, any conviction, even a misdemeanor, gets your name etched in a permanent criminal record. This record can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, and housing opportunities.

An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer understands the gravity of these charges. Hence, if you have one by your side, you can rest assured that the professional will be trying his best to protect your future.

How Did We Manage to Save Our Client?

In this specific case, our client faced misdemeanor charges as the accident led to property damage. His case was initially heard in the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As the initial disposition turned out to be unfavorable, we recognized that there were some fundamental issues with the evidence and the interpretation of the law. That’s when our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers decided to quickly file a Summary Appeal to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

This appeal provided us with an opportunity for a de novo hearing. This means the case was heard completely anew before a new judge, without deference to the first court’s ruling. This was our chance to re-examine the facts. Our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers prepared meticulously to challenge the prosecution’s evidence regarding identification and intent, as the key elements of a hit-and-run charge were not adequately met.

Before the new trial could commence, we engaged in robust negotiations with the prosecutor’s office. We demonstrated the significant evidentiary flaws in their case. Facing the certainty of a protracted legal battle and the highly likely reversal on appeal, the Commonwealth agreed to our negotiations, which resulted in a complete withdrawal of all charges against our client.

Facing criminal charges is indeed a stressful matter for a person, as well as for their family. But a charge doesn’t mean you have to surrender yourself and be at the mercy of the law! Instead, you can choose to defend yourself against false accusations, as in this case, and protect your rights, as well as your reputation. So, call us up at 844.PITT.DUI and schedule a free consultation with expert legal professionals today!