What Are The Penalties for DUI Hit And Run Charges?

Intoxicated drivers have lowered inhibitions, which causes them to make poor decisions that they would not ordinarily make. One such instance is deciding to leave the scene of an accident without following the correct procedures. A DUI hit and run accident might result in harsher fines in Utah than had you stayed.

Your charges may range from a Misdemeanor to a Felony, depending on the damage caused by the DUI hit and run accident. For instance, you can be charged with a felony if you injure someone and flee the accident scene.

Some people may choose to flee a scene out of pure fright. Others may know they were at fault due to carelessness or drunk driving.

Some people believe that the best way to avoid punishment is to flee the scene of an accident. However, there will typically be a witness to the collision who will note the specifics of the vehicles involved. Authorities are likely to find any vehicle that flees the site, even if it takes some time.

Please keep in mind that anything you tell the police can be used against you in court. Having an experienced lawyer on your side could stop law enforcement from contacting you directly and gathering damaging information against you.

Keep reading to find out more about how you can fight DUI hit and run charges.

What Does “Leaving the Scene” Mean in a DUI Hit and Run Case?

There are four categories of leaving the scene in Utah.

The first concerns accidents that cause property damage. You must exchange or leave information if any harm was done to another person's property. You could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor for failing to comply. Thousands of dollars in fines and up to six months in jail are part of these DUI hit and run punishments.

You must remain on the scene to share information if you caused an injury while driving under the influence. You could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if you injure someone and leave the scene. A year in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines are among the possible DUI hit and run punishments for a Class A misdemeanor.

The third circumstance where you cannot leave the scene of an accident is if a major injury was sustained. If you leave the scene, felony charges may await you. DUI hit and run punishments in these circumstances could include a five-year prison term and fines of thousands of dollars.

The fourth circumstance, which includes DUI hit and run punishments comparable to those for catastrophic injury, is when the accident results in death.

Whatever your hit and run DUI situation is, the clock is ticking. Having an experienced Southern Utah criminal defense lawyer by your side gives you the best shot at reduced penalties.

Crimes Connected to DUI Hit and Run Accidents

Depending on the situation, a driver who leaves an accident scene while under the influence of drugs or alcohol could also face charges for reckless driving or vehicular homicide.

Defenses for Hit and Run DUI

Typical legal defenses to DUI hit and run charges could be:

• You were not the driver: Police officers frequently identify the vehicles involved in a hit and run accident, but it is more challenging to determine who was actually driving. If you were not operating the vehicle that caused the collision, you might have this legal defense available.
• You were unaware that you contributed to the accident: If you were unaware of a collision or any vehicle damage, you could avoid charges for fleeing the scene of a car accident, even if this may not be a DUI defense.
• You weren't drunk: Being sober will not be a sufficient defense against a hit and run accusation. You may be able to fight the drunk driving crash charge if the police lack physical proof that your blood alcohol level was over the legal limit and you weren't intoxicated at the time of the accident.
• The police violated your constitutional rights: Some of the evidence the police acquired during the investigation and arrest may not be admissible at trial if the police did not adhere to all the necessary procedures and respect your rights. If you believe your rights may have been infringed, speak with a Utah criminal defense attorney.

Every DUI Hit and Run Case Is Unique

Some DUI hit and run cases may not be eligible for the usual defenses mentioned above. The particular case facts serve as the foundation for each defense.

The facts may support a defense not mentioned above or one or more of the above.

It is crucial to record all the details of your case meticulously and to give them to your criminal defense lawyer.

Your attorney could potentially be able to negotiate a plea bargain. It is crucial to vigorously defend yourself against accusations of DUI hit and run, given the significant stakes involved.

Defending Against DUI Hit and Run Charges

Stakes are typically high when a DUI also includes a hit and run incident. Legal representation is crucial if you've been detained for this offense. In addition to educating you about your best defenses, an expert DUI attorney can advise you on the best course of action. Get in touch with a Utah criminal defense lawyer today.