Hit and Run Lawyer in New Castle

If you’ve been in a road accident while driving in New Castle and failed to stop or provide your details, you could be charged with a hit and run. This is a serious offense in Ohio, which is why facing such a charge requires proper legal representation from a skilled New Castle traffic lawyer.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our Ohio traffic attorneys possess the essential knowledge and experience to defend you in hit and run cases. If you’re facing this charge, it’s crucial to contact us immediately for assistance.

Difference Between Hit and Skip and Hit and Run

In every state, the law mandates that if you are involved in an accident, you must stop and provide your information to the other party or the police officer at the scene. If you cause an accident and leave without stopping, it is commonly known as a “Hit and Run.” In Ohio, other terms like “hit and skip” or “tap and run” are also used to describe this same offense. A knowledgeable New Castle criminal lawyer can help clarify the specifics of your charge.

Failing to Stop After an Accident

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4549.02, it is mandatory to stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. However, simply stopping is not sufficient. You are required to remain at the scene and give your name, address, and vehicle registration details—or the name and address of the car’s owner— to the other party involved. This could be the accident victim, the owner of the other vehicle, or a police officer.

It’s possible that the other person involved might be too injured to collect your information. In such cases, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) requires you to notify law enforcement and provide your details to them. Furthermore, you must stay at the scene until the police arrive, unless you are transported to the hospital in an ambulance.

If you are in an accident where the affected property or vehicle is unoccupied, you are obligated to write down your information and leave it in a noticeable place on the vehicle or property. A New Castle DUI lawyer often handles cases where impairment leads to such incidents.

Disregarding this law by leaving the scene prematurely without providing your details will lead to a hit and run charge. In this situation, connecting with a New Castle traffic lawyer is essential. Unfortunately, wrongful charges can occur. For instance, you might hit a fence or a mailbox, and upon inspection, find no visible damage. In cases where you believe you’ve been wrongfully charged, an experienced Ohio traffic attorney from our team can defend you.

Penalties for Hit and Run

The penalties for hit and run are detailed in ORC 4549.02(B). Violating the law by not stopping at the scene will result in a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the accident causes serious injury and you flee, the charge escalates to a fifth or fourth-degree felony.

• Fifth-degree felony: Carries 6 to 12 months of jail time and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Fourth-degree felony: Based on the accident’s severity, you could face 6 to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Third or second-degree felony: If the accident results in a death, the charge is more severe. A third-degree felony involves 9 months to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A second-degree felony can lead to 2 to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. If you were aware of the fatality and still fled, you would face a higher felony charge. A competent New Castle criminal lawyer is vital in these high-stakes situations.

Furthermore, ORC 4549.03 states that if you are involved in an accident that damages adjacent property (realty or personal), you must stop, leave your details, and notify the property owner. Failing to do so within 24 hours will result in hit and run charges, typically classified as a first-degree misdemeanor upon conviction. Seeking advice from a New Castle DUI lawyer can be beneficial if intoxicants were a factor.

Connect With a New Castle Traffic Lawyer

Navigating these criminal charges can be incredibly challenging and confusing. It’s important to have an expert on your side. Contact us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our dedicated New Castle traffic lawyer will manage the charges and work to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome. A seasoned criminal lawyer from our group will provide the robust defense you need. Don’t face this alone; let a skilled New Castle DUI lawyer guide you.For more information, call us today at (330) 992-3036.