Summerville Hit and Run Lawyer

Following an automobile accident, it is illegal to flee the scene. It is considered a serious driving offense to leave the scene of an accident. It can result in criminal charges, fines, and the possible loss of your driver’s license. A hit and run charge can be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the facts of the case. Ultimately, no matter what happened, you have the right to defend your case with the help of a skilled defense attorney.

An experienced Summerville hit and run lawyer is ready to defend your case and your rights. Your constitutional rights deserve protection.

Hit and Run Laws in Summerville

A hit and run offense is incredibly serious. It occurs when a person strikes another vehicle and leaves the scene without complying with South Carolina law. There are legal ways to leave the scene after an accident in some cases, but failure to follow state law exactly in these situations is likely to lead to a charge of hit and run.

Striking an Unattended Vehicle

If a driver strikes a vehicle that is unattended, meaning no person is inside the vehicle, the driver must try to locate the owner of the vehicle they hit. In some cases, this is not possible. The owner of the vehicle may not be around, and impossible to locate.

When this occurs, the driver is required to leave a note in a conspicuous area of the vehicle, such as under the windshield wipers. On this note must be the driver’s name, vehicle registration information, and address. Failure to abide by this law is a misdemeanor.

Striking an Attended Vehicle

If a driver strikes an attended vehicle, one with people inside, the driver must stop as close to the scene of the collision as safely possible. Drivers should move cars off the road if possible. Leaving the scene is only permitted temporarily in order to call law enforcement. Failure to stop in these cases is a misdemeanor.

Striking a Person or Vehicle Leading to Death or Injury

If the driver strikes a person or attended vehicle, and injury or death occurs, the offense is a misdemeanor for minor injuries, but may be a felony in the case of serious injury or death.

Penalties for Hit and Run Charges in Summerville

If the offense results in a misdemeanor conviction, a driver can face:

• A minimum of thirty days in jail up to one year
• A fine between $100 to $5,000

If the offense is a felony, but no deaths occur as a result of the accident, a driver may face:

• Between one to ten years in prison
• A fine between $5,000 and $10,000

If the offense is a felony and death results from the accident, a driver may face:

• Between one and twenty-five years in prison
• A fine between $10,000 and $25,000

Loss of Driver’s License

In any of these cases, it is possible that the driver will have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. Points may be added to a license in less severe cases. The loss of a driver’s license can affect a person’s ability to work, travel, and enjoy normal life.

Contact a Hit and Run Attorney in Summerville

If you are facing hit and run charges, you have a right to legal counsel and to defend your constitutional rights. Just because you are charged with a hit and run does not mean that you will be found guilty. A strong defense may make all the difference in protecting your future.

To defend your case, contact a Summerville hit and run lawyer today. Our firm is ready to help you.