If you were accused of causing a hit-and-run accident or leaving the scene of an accident, you could face harsh criminal penalties. It’s important to consider your legal options rather than leaving your case’s outcome to chance.
If you’ve been involved in other traffic violations in Montgomery County, our Montgomery County Traffic Lawyer can also assist you. Contact a Montgomery County hit-and-run accident lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. to learn more about your legal options. We will evaluate your case and assert your innocence in a court of law.
The penalties you could face for a hit-and-run conviction largely depend on your situation. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident that only caused property damage, you could face a first-degree misdemeanor for leaving the accident scene.
Matters change if someone suffered harm or passed away in a collision. In that case, under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742(b)(3), you could face felony charges.
If someone suffered serious bodily harm from the alleged hit-and-run accident, if convicted, you could face:
If someone passed away because of the alleged hit-and-run accident, if convicted, you could face:
In addition to the criminal penalties you could face, there are also collateral consequences. These consequences refer to your quality of life, rather than punishments imposed by the state.
Some of these penalties include:
A hit-and-run conviction is more than fines, jail time, and harm to your life. It also opens you up to a civil lawsuit––meaning the injured party could sue you for damages. They could use a conviction as proof that you acted negligently and should pay for their losses.
A hit-and-run accident claimant can demand compensation for:
With help from a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Montgomery County, you can avoid these harsh penalties and civil liability. By working with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., you can get your hit-and-run charge dropped, reduced, or dismissed. We will protect you from the consequences of a conviction.
Right now, you want an experienced legal advocate on your side. The last thing you want is to struggle through a complicated trial only to be found guilty. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will evaluate your case and determine what course of action could clear your name.
Here are some strategies we may employ on your behalf:
These are just a few of the potential defenses that could bolster your case. We want to resolve your case and help you return to your life.
As you consider your legal options, you may have many burning questions, such as:
ABC News reports that while 1,200 people lose their lives in hit-and-run accidents each year, few offenders face prison time. It notes that defendants usually accept plea deals before trial proceedings get underway. For instance, instead of facing prison time for vehicular homicide, one could instead get probation.
It’s important to note that many of these defendants partnered with lawyers on their hit-and-run accident cases. With legal help, you could accept a plea deal and resolve your case in that manner, avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.
If this is your second traffic-related offense, the judge may consider this when deciding your case’s outcome. You could face heightened consequences than if this was your first offense.
All law enforcement officials must conduct arrests in good faith. This means avoiding unnecessary force, reading your Miranda rights, and following proper procedure. If the arresting officer violated your rights, we could use this information to support your case.
If you are found guilty of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, you could face severe criminal and collateral consequences. Get help avoiding a conviction by connecting with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
Our lead attorney, David McKenzie, has decades of experience advocating for people in court. He’s resolved cases that even his own clients thought were impossible to resolve. To begin your case review, connect with our firm today.
