Norwalk Evading Responsibility Penalties

Typical evading responsibility charges can result from someone who leaves the scene of an accident without giving their information. A lot of evading responsibility charges occur in one car accidents if the driver hits something that is on someone’s property and does not leave any contact information. Another example is if someone is drunk-driving and hits someone or something and leaves the scene of the accident.

A person facing Norwalk evading responsibility penalties has the same rights as anyone charged with any crime. They have the right to a distinguished evading responsibility attorney and the right to remain silent. If they cannot afford an attorney, an attorney will be appointed to represent them.

Common Reasons for a Hit and Run Offense

Law enforcement officers may assume that the person in an evading responsibility charge was drunk and that is why they evaded. The most common reason for leaving the scene of an accident is that the person is drunk, but another very common one is that the incident was a one-car accident in which the driver hit private or public property and fled the scene because they did not realize that they are supposed to leave their information with the property owner.

An evading responsibility charge occurs anytime someone leaves the scene of the accident that caused an injury to any person or to any person’s property without leaving their information. Under Norwalk law, an evading responsibility charge is considered a misdemeanor if there was no physical injury to anyone.

Maximum vs. Minimum Evading Responsibility Penalties

The maximum penalty for Norwalk evading responsibility penalties includes up to a year of jail time and a $500 fine, with the possibility of probation. For evading responsibility misdemeanor charges, the minimum possible penalty will be no jail time, no fines, and no probation.

If any type of injury to a person, the evading responsibility charge is considered a felony. The minimum penalty for the felony evading responsibility charge is one year in jail, some type of fine, and some type of probation. In Norwalk, the maximum penalty for a felony evading responsibility charge is five years in jail, probation, and a heavy fine.

The number of times that a person is charged with evading responsibility does not affect whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. The only thing that matters is whether there was any physical injury to the person or their property. If so, it is considered a felony.

Seeking Help From an Evading Responsibility Attorney

A criminal lawyer’s goal is often to fight against any Norwalk evading responsibility penalties the accused may be facing. Once the criminal lawyer receives the police report, they are able to effectively analyze it. They can file a motion if they feel that the accused individual’s Miranda rights, search and seizure rights, or any of their other constitutional rights have been violated.

They can also analyze witness statements, file a motion to preserve any evidence that might be helpful, and file a motion with the court for any medical records to see if there was any actual physical injury to support the evading responsibility charge.