Leaving the scene of an accident in a state of panic can become much more serious when charged with DUI and significantly increases the need to retain an attorney for the protection of your rights. Additionally, as we all know, eyewitness accounts, if any are available, are rarely accurate when relating the chain of events. A defendant can also be wrongly accused, and, although innocent, could face potentially serious penalties. Whether you were drinking, had an accident and left the scene because of panic and fear, or whether you have been wrongly accused of a DUI hit and run if you want to avoid the punishment you will face after a conviction you need to immediately hire a seasoned, experienced attorney who will be in your corner throughout the entire process.
If you've been arrested on a DUI Hit and Run, you are facing serious criminal charges. Most all states impose very significant fines and jail time on drunk drivers who injure others then leave the scene of the accident. If this is not your first offense, the fines and jail time increase substantially. You may face a suspended driver's license on your first offense, and a revoked driver's license on subsequent offenses that can leave you without the legal right to drive, even to work. If you left the scene, it is likely you will be imposed with extra penalties, which are quite significant.
The following are some common defenses your attorney may employ in your particular case:
- You were not driving the vehicle that caused the accident: police officer often identify the vehicle, then accuse the passenger or the person to whom the car is registered of driving the car. While the passenger or owner may have some liability, it is not as severe as a DUI hit and run charge.
- You did not know you caused an accident: While this is not by any means a complete defense, you may be able to defend yourself against the leaving the scene charge.
- You were not drunk: Like the above, this will not be a complete defense against a DUI hit and run charge, however if police do not have physical evidence that your blood alcohol content was above the legal limit, then this may give you a defense against the DUI.
- The police violated the law while gathering evidence: If the police did not follow proper procedures and afford you all of your rights during the investigation and arrest, some of the evidence may be inadmissible at trial.
Each DUI hit and run defense will be unique based on the individual facts of your particular case which makes it imperative that you carefully document all the facts about your case to share them with your defense lawyers. The possible penalties for a DUI hit and run can include a felony conviction with significant fines, jail time and revoked driver's license, therefore you must defend yourself fully and aggressively to the charges against you.
