Hit and run accidents are any accident where a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene. In Arizona, you are legally obligated to stop if you are involved in an accident, and failure to do so can be considered as leaving the scene of an accident, which may earn you a hit and run charge.
This charge can come with serious consequences, especially if someone was injured in the accident. If you have been charged with a hit and run in Arizona, you should contact a skilled hit and run lawyer as soon as possible. Our Phoenix hit and run accident attorneys at JacksonWhite Law will analyze your case to build the strongest possible defense with the goal of protecting your future.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents
Drivers in Arizona are legally obligated to stop in the event of an automotive accident. Arizona law includes A.R.S. 28-662 regarding accidents involving damage to a vehicle. This statute states that any individual who is involved in an accident with damage done to a vehicle has the legal obligation to stop as soon as possible. If you are unable to stop immediately, you must return to the scene as soon as possible.
Under Arizona law, A.R.S. 28-663, Duty to Give Information and Assistance, drivers involved in an accident are legally required to perform the following duties:
- Give your name, address, and registration to the other driver or responding police officer.
- Show your driver’s license if the other driver or responding officer requests that you do so.
- Assist the other driver by administering first aid or getting help for injuries if necessary.
Potential Legal Consequences of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run cases can come with a variety of potential legal consequences and penalties depending on the severity of the case. Typically, a hit and run charge in Arizona is a misdemeanor that can result in fines, a license suspension, or jail time. However, if a hit and run accident caused serious physical injury or death, the defendant may be charged with a felony.
Arizona outlines the following penalties for hit and run charges:
- Any individual who fails to offer information or assistance after they have been involved in an accident in Arizona can be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor, which can come with up to $500 in fines and 30 days in jail.
- A class 2 felony may be charged to someone whose accident caused physical harm or death.
- A class 3 felony can be charged if the defendant didn’t cause the accident but still left the scene of the crime.
- A class 5 felony can be charged to other hit and run accidents that don’t cause serious injury or death
In addition to the legal ramifications, you may face additional consequences, like increased insurance rates and a permanent criminal record that can affect your opportunities for employment. The penalties can be even worse if there were aggravating factors, like prior convictions or the influence of drugs or alcohol involved.
If you are facing a hit and run charge and at risk of facing harsh penalties, you should consult a skilled hit and run attorney as soon as possible. Our criminal defense team at JacksonWhite will build a custom defense to bring about the best possible outcome that makes the most sense for your unique circumstances.
Benefits of Hiring a Hit and Run Accident Attorney
If you have been charged with a hit and run in Arizona, you should seek the support of an attorney so you aren’t forced to fight these charges alone. A hit and run lawyer will be able to offer valuable support and guidance throughout the process, from guiding you through the necessary legal steps to advocating for you in the courtroom.
Our hit and run attorneys at JacksonWhite have decades of experience supporting clients in hit and run cases. Working with our team brings all the following advantages:
- Legal Experience – Our attorneys have a detailed understanding of Arizona’s hit and run laws, potential defenses, and court procedures.
- Investigation – We’ll conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence of the circumstances around the accident and find weak spots in the prosecution’s case.
- Defense Strategy – Using our understanding of the details of your case, we’ll develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific circumstances.
- Negotiation Skills – Our attorneys will negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties.
- Court Representation – We’ll represent you in all court hearings and trials and support you in presenting your defense before the judge.
- Legal Guidance – We’ll provide guidance and advice throughout the legal process to ensure you understand the necessary next steps and potential outcomes.
- Peace of Mind – We approach every case with compassion and empathy to provide support and guidance during a stressful time.
Without an attorney, you are forced to navigate all the above steps on your own. In doing so, you run the risk of facing the harshest possible legal penalties. Only a skilled hit and run attorney, like those here at JacksonWhite, can help you build a viable defense to increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Why Immediate Legal Action is Essential
If you have been charged with a hit and run in Arizona, immediate legal action is crucial for building a case against harsh charges. The other side will begin building their case as soon as possible, so you should too. You should seek the support of an attorney immediately after you have been involved in an accident.
Taking immediate legal action offers all the following benefits:
- Preservation of Evidence – Acting quickly allows attorneys time to gather crucial evidence and ensure it’s preserved properly so that we can support you with the strongest possible case.
- Legal Deadlines – There can be legal deadlines associated with responding to charges, so you should consult an attorney who can support you in this process and prevent you from making any mistakes.
- Protection of Rights – Seeking a lawyer quickly will give you guidance to prevent the prosecution from taking advantage of legal inexperience and ensure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the entire process.
- Defense Preparation – Building a strong and effective defense strategy can take time, so you should have a lawyer begin building a tailored strategy as soon as possible.
- Legal Guidance – Immediate legal action means you have a lawyer by your side sooner to help you understand the necessary next steps and avoid mistakes at any point in the process.
Taking immediate legal action allows you to start crafting your defense so that you are not caught off guard by the prosecution. When you consult our attorneys at JacksonWhite, we’ll get to work building your defense as soon as possible.
Potential Outcomes for Your Case
A hit-and-run charge does not come with an immediate conviction. The support of a skilled lawyer with a strong defense can help you fight the charges against you and reduce your chances of facing the harshest possible penalties. Our attorneys have worked in dozens of hit-and-run and have experience supporting our clients in pursuing more positive outcomes.
Our attorneys at JacksonWhite can help you achieve some of the following possible outcomes:
- Reduced Charges – We can seek lesser charges with lesser penalties and a reduced impact on your record, like advocating for a misdemeanor instead of a felony charge.
- Penalty Reduction – We’ll present a strategic defense with the goal of minimizing fines, jail time, or community service.
- Alternative Sentencing – If a conviction is unavoidable, we’ll pursue lighter, alternative punishments to incarceration, like probation or diversion programs.
- Case Dismissal – If the other side does not have strong evidence or has holes in their case, we may be able to have your charges completely dismissed.
- Mitigated Consequences – We’ll fight to preserve your future by limiting the impact of consequences on your driving privileges, insurance rates, and criminal record.
Working with an experienced hit and run lawyer increases your chances of facing a more positive outcome. Of course, the potential outcomes depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Contact our team of hit and run attorneys here at JacksonWhite Law to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about the potential outcomes for your case.
Find a Skilled Hit and Run Attorney at JacksonWhite Law
If you were involved in a hit and run in Arizona, it’s crucial to have a strong legal team that can explore all possible defenses and provide valuable legal guidance. At JacksonWhite Law, our Criminal Law team understands the severity of hit and run accidents and will fight to promote the best possible outcome for your specific case, whether it’s reducing your penalties or keeping you out of jail.
Our experienced hit and run lawyers have helped clients around the Phoenix Valley and beyond navigate the legal processes associated with fighting hit and run charges in Arizona. During a free initial consultation, we will work to understand the circumstances of your case and begin building a strong defense that maximizes your chances of overcoming harsh penalties.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 303-7122 to discuss your case today.
