Hit and Run Lawyer in Cadiz

If you’re involved in a road accident while driving in Cadiz and fail to stop or provide your details, you can be charged with hit and run. This is considered a serious offense in Ohio. If you find yourself facing such charges, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a qualified Cadiz criminal lawyer, like the experts at Youngstown Criminal Law Group.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our Cadiz OVI lawyer has the in-depth knowledge and experience necessary to defend hit-and-run cases effectively. If you’re charged with this offense, get in touch with us immediately for assistance.

Difference Between Hit and Skip and Hit and Run

Across all U.S. states, the law requires that if you’re involved in an accident, you must stop and provide your information to the victim or the attending police officer. If you fail to stop after causing an accident, it is termed a hit and run. Ohio also uses terms such as “hit and skip” or “tap and run” to describe this offense.

Failing to Stop After an Accident

Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4549.02, it is required that anyone involved in a road accident must stop at the scene. However, stopping alone is not sufficient. You must also:

• Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration details.
• If it isn’t your vehicle, provide the name and address of the vehicle owner.
• Share this information with the accident victim, property owner, or police officer present at the scene.

If the victim is seriously injured and can’t collect your information, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) requires you to contact law enforcement and provide your details. Additionally, you are expected to remain at the scene until authorities arrive or you are taken to the hospital if necessary.

If the accident damages an unoccupied vehicle or property, you must leave your details in a conspicuous location (e.g., attached to the vehicle or property). Failing to do so and leaving the scene prematurely without sharing your details could lead to hit-and-run charges.

If you’re falsely accused—for example, hitting an object like a fence or mailbox without causing visible damage—a qualified Cadiz traffic ticket lawyer will fight to protect your rights and clear  your name.

Penalties for Hit and Run

The penalties for hit and run are outlined under ORC 4549.02(B) and can range in severity depending on the circumstances of the incident:

• First-Degree Misdemeanor
• Not stopping at the scene can result in up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
• Fifth- or Fourth-Degree Felony
• If the accident results in serious injury and you flee, you may face penalties including 6 to 12 months of prison time and fines up to $2,500 for a fifth-degree felony.
• For a fourth-degree felony, the punishment ranges from 6 to 18 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Third- or Second-Degree Felony
• If the accident caused a death and you leave the scene, you could be charged with a third- or second-degree felony.
• Third-Degree Felony: Jail time of 9 months to 5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: Prison time of 2 to 8 years and a fine of up to $15,000.
• If the driver knew about the fatality and still fled, they could face harsher penalties.

Under ORC 4549.03, if a crash damages real estate or personal property adjacent to the road, you must leave your details, notify the property owner, and ensure compliance within 24 hours. Failure to do so can result in first-degree misdemeanor charges, bringing penalties similar to those outlined above.

Connect With a Cadiz Traffic Lawyer Today 

Dealing with hit-and-run charges can be overwhelming and confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today and work with an experienced Cadiz criminal lawyer to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Call us now at (330) 992-3036 to receive expert legal support from an experienced Cadiz traffic ticket lawyer. Don’t wait—get the defense you deserve!