18-year-old Billy was racing home in his car in an attempt to beat his dad to the house. Billy stayed out past his curfew of 12:30 am. In the process of speeding, he sideswiped a car and kept going without stopping. His main focus at the time was jumping into bed to appear he was at home sleeping before his dad got off work.
Billy did beat his dad home, but Billy worried all night regarding his misdeed. He had nightmares of jail time because of his reckless and irresponsible behavior. Billy should be worried, he committed a "Hit and Run." Due to his actions, Billy may not only be in big trouble with his dad, but also with the law.
"Hit and Run," or leaving the scene of a car accident without leaving your contact or insurance information, can become a serious crime. Depending on the situation, it can result in a simple traffic ticket or a felony charge. The punishment will depend on the nature of the case, whether you destroyed personal property or caused human injury, suffering, or death. The punishment usually increases when personal injury or death occurs. In any case, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and discuss your legal options.
In the Commonwealth, failure to stop after a car collision, not exchanging insurance information, or refusing to call the local police is considered a misdemeanor under MGL c. 90 s. 24. The crime of leaving the scene involving property damage may include the following penalties if you are convicted.
-
A $200 fine
-
A 60-day to one-year loss of license
-
A two-year jail sentence
To be convicted of this crime, it must be proven that you knew about the property damage or accident when you left the scene of the crime. Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury may carry harsher penalties for those convicted. The punishment may include:
-
A jail sentence of six months to two years
-
A fine of $500 - $1,000
-
Loss of license for a minimum of one year and up to an indefinite amount of time
If you are convicted a second time for leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury, the penalties will include a loss of license for a minimum of two years. Leaving the scene of an accident involving a personal injury resulting in death is a felony in the Commonwealth, and you will be required to serve a mandatory minimum of one year in jail.
Leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury resulting in death is a very serious crime. You need to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney, who knows the law and appropriate defenses for such cases. Punishment for leaving the scene of an accident with a personal injury resulting in death may include:
-
A loss of license for a minimum of three years and up to an indefinite amount of time
-
Fines between $1,000 and $5000
-
A minimum of one year in jail and up to 10 years in prison
If you have been accused or charged with "hit and run" or leaving the scene of an accident, you should immediately consult a criminal defense attorney. The consequences can be devastating and may include jail time, license suspension, and fines. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you with legal advice that may help reduce the punishment or lessen the charge. He cares about your situation and provides personalized legal services in every case. Contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.