Hit and Run Lawyer in Cambridge OH

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we understand how severe hit-and-run charges can be under Ohio law. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Cambridge OH and failed to stop or provide your details, the legal consequences can be life-altering. This is why having an experienced Cambridge OH traffic lawyer by your side is essential when navigating these cases.

Our attorneys specialize in traffic violations and criminal defense, offering tailored support for individuals facing hit-and-run allegations. Regardless of whether you were wrongly accused or need help managing the legal process, we’re here to safeguard your rights at every step.

Difference Between Hit-and-Run and Hit-and-Skip

Each state has specific requirements regarding what you must do after being involved in an accident. Most commonly, Ohio residents recognize the term “hit-and-run.” However, the state also uses related phrases, such as “hit-and-skip” or “tap-and-run,” to describe similar offenses. These offenses broadly involve failing to stop after an accident to provide necessary information to those involved or law enforcement officials.

Failing to Stop After an Accident

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4549.02, any motor vehicle operator involved in an accident must come to a complete stop at the scene. But simply stopping your vehicle isn’t enough. Drivers are required to provide their:

• Full name
• Address
• Vehicle registration details or the owner’s name and address (if you’re not the vehicle owner)

This information must be given to the other party involved, be it the accident victim, the owner of another vehicle, or a law enforcement officer. Furthermore, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) mandates that if an individual involved in the accident is too injured to receive this information, the driver must notify law enforcement immediately and remain at the site until they arrive. Alternatively, if the driver requires transportation to a hospital due to injuries, they must pass their information to responding authorities.

If you damage an unoccupied vehicle or physical property, such as a mailbox or fence, Ohio law requires that you leave your contact information in a conspicuous spot on the vehicle or property. Failure to comply with these obligations could lead to hit-and-run charges.

For anyone facing such charges in Cambridge OH, it is critical to work with a skilled Cambridge OH traffic ticket attorney. Even in cases involving wrongful accusations—for example, striking a fence but seeing no visible damage to report—we offer thorough legal representation to protect your rights and resolve the situation.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Ohio

Under ORC 4549.02(B), the penalties for failing to stop at the scene of an accident are harsh, with consequences becoming more severe for accidents involving injuries or fatalities. Below is an overview of possible penalties:

First-Degree Misdemeanor

• Failing to stop at the scene of a minor accident
• Penalties: Up to 6 months in jail and fines reaching $1,000

Fifth-Degree Felony

• Leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injuries
• Penalties: 6-12 months of imprisonment and fines up to $2,500

Fourth-Degree Felony

• Accidents causing more severe injuries, coupled with fleeing the scene
• Penalties: 6-18 months in jail and fines up to $5,000

Third-Degree Felony

• Fatal accidents where the driver flees
• Penalties: 9 months to 5 years of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000

Second-Degree Felony

• Fatal hit-and-runs where the driver knowingly flees after the tragedy
• Penalties: 2-8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000

Additionally, ORC 4549.03 states that failing to stop and provide information after damaging property adjacent to a road can still result in hit-and-run charges. These incidents, if minor, are typically classified as first-degree misdemeanors.

Whether you’re facing criminal charges or looking for guidance regarding your legal obligations, consulting a Cambridge OH traffic lawyer is the best approach to ensuring a fair and just resolution.

Why Contact a Cambridge OH traffic ticket attorney?

Hit-and-run charges can have significant and lasting consequences. Beyond potential jail time or fines, these charges can tarnish your personal and professional reputation. Working with Youngstown Criminal Law Group ensures you have a team of legal experts on your side to advocate for your defense.

Why choose us?

• Experienced Cambridge OH traffic ticket attorneys in Cambridge OH traffic and criminal cases
• Personalized Legal Strategies tailored to your unique case
• Expertise with Ohio traffic laws and court systems

If you’re facing legal challenges, don’t take on the system alone. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today at (330) 992-3036 so that we can help you through every step of the process.