Hit and Run Lawyer in Steubenville

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we fully grasp the seriousness of hit-and-run charges in Ohio. If you’re ever in a situation where you’re responsible for an accident in Steubenville but failed to stop or provide your information, the consequences can be severe. That’s precisely why having a dependable and experienced Steubenville OH OVI lawyer by your side is crucial.

Our Ohio traffic lawyer possesses vast knowledge and expertise in defending hit-and-run cases. Whether you find yourself wrongly accused or need guidance in navigating the legal process, we’re here to support you.

Difference of Hit and Skip and Hit and Run

Every state has regulations mandating that when you’re involved in an accident, you must stop and provide your details to the victim or the on-duty police officer. Failing to do so is referred to as a hit-and-run offense. In Ohio, similar terms such as hit and skip or tap and run are used to describe this offense.

Failing to Stop After an Accident

In compliance with the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4549.02, if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s essential to stop at the scene. However, merely stopping isn’t enough. You must stay at the scene and provide your name, address, and vehicle registration details, or the name and address of the car owner, to the other party involved. This could be the victim, the owner of another vehicle, or the police.

If the other person is too injured to collect your information, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) requires you to notify law enforcement and provide your details to them. Additionally, you must remain at the scene until the police arrive or until you’re transported to the hospital in an ambulance.

In cases involving an unoccupied vehicle or property, you must write down your information and leave it conspicuously in the vehicle or on the property.

Failure to comply with this law and leaving the scene prematurely without providing your details can result in hit-and-run charges. That’s why, in such situations, it’s imperative to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable Steubenville OH criminal lawyer. Unfortunately, wrongful charges do happen. For instance, you may have accidentally hit a fence or mailbox and found no damage. When faced with wrongful charges like these, an experienced Ohio traffic lawyer can offer the representation you need to safeguard your rights.

Penalties for Hit and Run

Under ORC 4549.02(B), the consequences for Hit and Run are detailed comprehensively. Failing to stop at the accident scene results in a first-degree misdemeanor charge. This is punishable by six months of jail time and a $1000 fine. If the accident causes serious injury and you flee, it is considered a fifth or fourth-degree felony. Upon conviction, a fifth-degree felony carries a penalty of 6 to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $2500. For more severe cases, a fourth-degree felony will lead to 6-18 months of jail time and a fine of up to $5000. In the unfortunate event of a fatality, it becomes a third or second-degree felony. A third-degree felony imposes a sentence of 9 months to 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. For a second-degree felony, the penalty is 2-8 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000. If you were aware of the fatality and still chose to flee, you will face charges of a higher felony.

Additionally, ORC 4549.03 states that if you are involved in an accident damaging realty or personal property adjacent to the road, you must immediately stop and provide your details to the property owner within 24 hours. Failure to do so will result in Hit-and-Run charges, classified as a first-degree misdemeanor if convicted.

Connect With Steubenville Traffic Lawyer

Facing these criminal charges can be a tremendous challenge. If you need assistance, consider contacting Youngstown Criminal Law Group, a reputable firm with experienced Steubenville OH criminal lawyers who can help you navigate the charges effectively. 

To learn more, call us today at (330) 992-3036.