Hit and Run Attorney in Warren, Trumbull County, OH

Hit and Run Cases of Leaving the Scene of an Accident

All motorists in Ohio are required to stop at the site of an accident and exchange information with the police. If a driver leaves the scene after causing injury, they could face felony charges. For a motorist, being charged with Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious issue. Adding hit and run charges can lead to severe consequences, including extended jail time and hefty fines. Additionally, their driver’s license may be suspended for an extended period.

If you or a loved one finds yourself in this situation and are facing hit and run charges along with a DUI case, you need professional legal assistance. Connecting with a Warren OVI lawyer at the Youngstown Criminal Law Group is a wise decision. We provide comprehensive assistance and develop a defense strategy for you. If you have fled the scene after an accident, don’t delay—reach out to us immediately for help from our Warren criminal lawyer.

Charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Ohio

Three statutes under Chapter 4549 of the Ohio Revised Code address the responsibility of motorists to stop at the scene of an accident. These statutes include:

• Stopping after the accident on public roads or highways — Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02
• Stopping after the accident on other than public roads or highways — Ohio Revised Code § 4549.021
• Stopping after an accident involving damage to realty or personal property attached to real property — Ohio Revised Code § 4549.03

When an accident occurs, the motorist must stay at the scene. Accidents can cause personal injury as well as property damage. The driver is required to stop immediately until they can share relevant details with the other motorist or a police officer. These details include:

• Name and address of the motorist
• Name of the vehicle owner (if the driver is not the owner)
• Registration number of the motor vehicle

The person who should receive these details could be anyone injured in the accident, the vehicle operator, owner, occupant of the property, or any police officer on duty at the scene.

It is also the driver’s responsibility to locate the owner, occupant, or operator of the property, vehicle, house, or otherwise, and inform them about the incident. They must also share their details with the affected parties, as mentioned above.

If you find yourself in such a situation and cannot locate the property owner or the asset, you should report the incident to the nearest police department in the area where it occurred.

While doing so, keep the contact information of a Warren OVI lawyer handy. This way, you can report the incident to a professional and receive immediate legal advice. When seeking legal advice from a Warren criminal lawyer, come to the Youngstown Criminal Law Group.

Nature of Injuries and Crime Classifications

The classification of the crime depends on the severity of the injuries:

• If there are no injuries, it is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• If the accident causes serious injuries or physical harm, it is classified as a fifth-degree felony.
• If the accident results in death, it is classified as a third-degree felony.

Consult With a Warren Criminal Lawyer

If you have left the scene of an accident and need a Warren criminal lawyer to defend your case, come to the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. We will listen to your case and work to ensure you receive relief from the charges or face minimum penalties. For more details or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (330) 992-3036.