Stamford Evading Responsibility Lawyer
When you are in an accident, you have a duty to stop and assist. If you don’t, you could be charged with the crime of evading responsibility under C.G.S. § 14-224. This is the crime for what most people know of as “hit and run”. The consequences for evading responsibility can be serious, so it is important to contact a Stamford evading responsibility lawyer to help you mitigate the potential consequences.
What is Evading Responsibility?
Under Connecticut law, evading responsibility occurs when a person is knowingly involved in an accident which causes death, physical injury, or property damage and fails to stop to reasonably assist, or give license and contact information to the police or the other driver.
Can I be Guilty of Leaving the Scene of an Accident with no Injuries?
Yes, if you are in an accident, you must stop and provide assistance and information, even if you are not sure if anybody is hurt, or any property is damaged. Just knowing that an accident happened is enough to trigger your responsibility to stop and assist. If you don’t, and there is even just minor property damage, you may still be charged with evading responsibility.
What if I Can’t Reasonably Stop to Assist After an Accident?
If you cannot stop to assist after an accident, you must immediately report the accident to a law enforcement officer at the first reasonable opportunity. If you fail to do so, you may still be charged with evading responsibility?
How Serious are the Consequences for Evading Responsibility?
Under Connecticut law, the severity of the consequences for evading responsibility depends on the level of injury or damage caused. If the accident caused death or serious physical injury to another person, then evading responsibility is a class B felony, punishable by a minimum of two years in jail and a maximum of twenty years, with a potential fine of $20,000. If the accident caused non-serious physical injuries, then evading responsibility is a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in jail, and up to $600 in fines. If the accident only caused property damage, then evading responsibility is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to $600 in fines.
How a Lawyer Could Help During an Evading Responsibility Case
An evading responsibility case in Stamford could last anywhere between three months and two years. Generally, a person’s court date in Stamford is two to three weeks from their arrest. A Stamford evading responsibility lawyer could collect all the facts involved. That would include a copy of all reports, sworn witness statements, and the defendant’s account of what happened, and determine if the facts do amount to an evading responsibility charge. The attorney could then use that evidence to start building a defense for the individual.
Call a Stamford Evading Responsibility Attorney Today
If you are in an accident, do not leave the scene without providing the required information. If you are facing charges of evading responsibility, contact a Stamford evading responsibility attorney as soon as possible to help you defend your charges.