Benefits of a Connecticut Hit and Run Attorney
If you were charged with a hit and run in Connecticut, you could benefit from contacting a skilled lawyer. A top evading responsibility attorney may be able to negotiate with authorities or raise a strong defense on your behalf.
Can an Attorney Help Even if I Haven’t Been Arrested?
Yes. If you suspect police may be investigating you for a hit and run, you could benefit from proactively contacting legal counsel. A lawyer may be able to provide a rational explanation for your actions and arrange to pay restitution. In some cases, by making careful statements to the police and making any reparations needed, you may be able to avoid criminal charges altogether.
The benefits of a hit and run lawyer in Connecticut are many, but the potential to reduce or avoid criminal penalties is paramount.
What are the Penalties for Evading Responsibility?
To understand the benefits of hiring a Connecticut hit and run lawyer, it is important to understand the potential penalties. The consequences for a conviction can be as severe as 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
The particular penalties you may face depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries to others, whether death occurred, and whether property damage occurred. The most serious hit and run, under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) § 14-224 involves death or serious bodily injury. On the lower end are hit and runs causing physical injury or property damage. No matter what, it is wise to contact a skilled Connecticut hit and run attorney who can help you build strong defense.
What are Some Potential Defenses to Hit and Run Charges?
Many hit-and-run accidents occur in borrowed vehicles. Police may track down the vehicle through surveillance footage or witness statements and charge the legal owner of the car. In some cases, however, the legal owners can avoid the charges by proving that they were not driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
In other cases, drivers could face hit and run charges stemming even from a one-car accident. If the collision results in significant property damage, the property owners may be looking for compensation for their losses. If insurance coverage is available, having legal counsel negotiate a settlement may be enough to avoid or reduce criminal charges.
Hit and Run Lawyer Benefits in Connecticut
Not only can the penalties for a hit and run or evading responsibility conviction be severe, but public news of the arrest and charges can be highly damaging to your reputation. A felony hit and run conviction can even prohibit you from obtaining some jobs or pursuing certain careers. Given the potential seriousness of these penalties, the benefits of a Connecticut hit and run attorney are immeasurable.
Hit and run cases can be complicated and require a great deal of immediate action and advocacy. Insurance claims, hospital records, restitution and more may play a part in criminal charges for hit and run. To get started on your case, read our certified reviews on avvo.com and reach out to Mark Sherman Law.