What Charge Is A Hit And Run?
What Charge is a Hit and Run Charge?
A hit-and-run charge carries a variety of penalties. In some states, the penalty can range from a minor fine to a felony. The charges that you face may depend on the circumstances of the incident and the specifics of your case. For example, if you hit a pedestrian and then flee the scene, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
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Felony hit-and-run charges
A felony hit-and-run charge can carry serious consequences. It must be proven that the driver caused a serious crash and that the accident resulted in injury or death to another party. Additionally, the prosecutor must prove that the driver knew about the crash. In some cases, it may be possible to argue that the defendant was attempting to wait for the other party to leave the scene before leaving.
A hit-and-run conviction can carry a prison term and a large fine. It is typically the result of a driver striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk and then fleeing the scene. There are several elements to a hit-and-run conviction, and an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid a felony conviction.
Depending on the severity of the injury, a hit-and-run charge may be a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction may also include criminal liability and administrative license revocation.
Administrative penalties
Administrative penalties for hit-and-run accidents are imposed in almost every state. These penalties affect a driver’s license and can range from suspension to revocation. Most are imposed through the state department of motor vehicles. In most cases, a driver’s license suspension is the most common penalty.
Drivers convicted of hit-and-run crashes often face license suspensions for six months, three years, or a lifetime license suspension. The suspension period varies according to the severity of the crash and the state laws. Administrative penalties are also listed in the criminal penalties for hit-and-run crimes.
Civil penalties, on the other hand, can also apply to a hit-and-run driver. These penalties are meant to penalize the person who caused the accident and may result in monetary compensation for the victim. In some cases, a driver who is found guilty of hit-and-run is automatically sanctioned with a fine of up to $30,000.
Loss of driving privileges
In Pennsylvania, you may lose your driving privileges if you have multiple moving violations in 12 months. You also need to have automobile liability insurance on your vehicle. If you don’t have insurance, you may receive a citation for this violation and face a three-month suspension of your license.
There are several options for obtaining reinstatement of your license. First, you must pay the appropriate fees and provide all the necessary documentation. A good law firm with experience in DMV defense will advise you on the best strategy to avoid a license suspension and reinstate your license.
Second-time hit-and-run convictions will result in a three-year suspension. In some circumstances, you can get early reinstatement of your license if you complete a Defensive Driving course or the Risk Reduction Program. Usually, you’ll have to pay a fee of $200 in person or $200 by mail to regain your license.