If you have been arrested for a minor hit and run offense, you’ve probably wondered what the punishment will be. Usually, minor hit and run victims choose to have their vehicle repaired privately, to avoid paying a higher monthly premium. And since most of these accidents are minor in nature, the police rarely investigate. The penalties for a misdemeanor charge are quite minor, too. Read on to find out what to expect.
Penalties for a misdemeanor
Penalties for a misdemeaner minor hit and run charge may be low compared to the consequences of a felony offense. While you could get up to a year in jail and three points on your license for a misdemeanor minor hit and run charge, you will probably only receive a fine of up to $500 and a small amount of time in jail.
Defenses to a misdemeanor charge
In the case of a hit-and-run, the driver may not even have realized that they had struck someone. If you’re driving a bigger car and had limited visibility, you might not even be aware that you were involved in a collision. If the damage to the other car is minor, you may have been able to avoid an arrest if you had a legitimate reason to leave the scene.
Intoxication defenses to a misdemeanor charge
Intoxication defenses to a misdemerit hit and run charge can have multiple benefits. One of these is that the police may not have the evidence needed to prove intoxication. A properly- trained attorney can also help the driver prove that their intoxication was not the cause of the accident. The police may not have the necessary equipment to prove intoxication, but they must follow certain guidelines to collect a blood or urine sample.
Administrative penalties for a misdemeanor charge
If you are charged with a misdemeanor hit and runs, you may be facing administrative penalties. These fines can affect your driving privileges. They are often imposed by state departments of motor vehicles. In addition to revocation of your license, you can face a lifetime ban from driving. Read on to learn more about administrative penalties for misdemeanor hit and runs.
Reporting requirements for a misdemeanor charge
As a driver, you must report the accident to the police. If the driver leaves without reporting the accident, you will be subject to fines and other consequences. In some states, you must report the accident to the police if you have injuries. Otherwise, you may face charges for a misdemeanor hit and run charge. A good attorney will know how to build a strong case in a short amount of time.