Unfortunately, my son got caught up with the wrong group of kids over the last summer. It was not until the police officers brought him home that I learned of what he and his new group of friends were up to. I knew at that moment that I was going to need a lawyer to help me help him through the situation. My lawyer was so helpful in many ways. By the time we worked our way through the legal process, my son was able to walk away without any charges that could threaten his future. Visit my site to learn what can be done for a troubled teen to get him or her back on the right track.
If you get in an accident while you're driving while intoxicated, it may seem like a good idea at the time to try to get away to avoid the DWI charge. Will this work, or will it just make things worse? Here's what could happen if you leave the scene.
What is a Driver Required to Do After an Accident?
If you get into an accident, you're required by law to remain at the scene. This could either be not moving at all or going to a nearby safe location.
In a serious accident, it may not be possible to move the damaged cars, or it may not be safe to move an injured person. In a minor accident, it is safer and sometimes even required to move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot.
What Happens if a Driver Leaves the Scene of an Accident?
Leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information with the other driver in a minor accident or calling the police in a serious accident is a criminal offense. This is separate from any other criminal or civil offenses such as DWI or traffic violations that could come from causing an accident. If you leave the scene of an accident, you could face additional fines or jail time.
Is Hit and Run More Serious Than a DWI?
A hit and run charge is often a lower charge or has lower consequences than a DWI charge. This could change if the accident involved major property damage or serious injuries. However, keep in mind that hit and run usually won't be the only charge in a hit and run accident.
Can the Police Charge You With DWI If You Left the Scene?
You may think you can avoid a DWI charge by leaving the scene so the police can't do sobriety tests or heading to a bar so you can say you got drunk after the accident. This is why many people hit and run if they were DWI.
The truth is that while your DWI lawyer might have a little more to argue, you could still be charged. There might be witnesses at the scene who saw you were drunk or proof you had just left a bar. A hit and run will also make it harder to get a good plea deal or to get substance abuse counseling instead of jail time.
To learn more about a DWI hit and run, contact a local DWI attorney or a local law office, like Cohen Law Offices, LLC.
Share