Wilton Evading Responsibility Penalties
Under state law, an evading responsibility charge is considered a felony any time the operator of a motor vehicle is knowingly involved in an accident that causes serious physical injury to another person and the operator of the motor vehicle fails to stop and render assistance, leave their name and contact information, or report the accident to the police department.
Currently, the minimum Wilton evading responsibility penalties include up to one year in prison, up to a $2,000 fine, and up to two years probation. A skilled hit and run attorney could help the accused seek to complete a first-time offender program in order to have their misdemeanor evading responsibility charge dismissed.
Minimum vs Maximum Penalties for a Hit and Run Charge
Under state law, there only needs to be one vehicle present for an evading responsibility charge or hit and run to occur. It could be a one-car accident. Some common examples of single-vehicle accidents or collisions that may result in criminal charges include any time a vehicle leaves the road and strikes a guardrail or a tree. Any time any vehicle hits another object, it could be considered an evading responsibility charge if a person does not remain at the scene.
The minimum and maximum penalties for evading responsibility charges in Wilton depend on the physical injury caused. For a serious physical injury, the minimum penalty is two years’ minimum mandatory jail sentence with fines and probation. The maximum penalty for a hit and run felony for a serious physical injury caused is up to 20 years in prison with a $50,000 fine and up to five years on probation.
Alternative Sentencing Following Hit and Run Charges
In some circumstances, a person facing penalties for an evading responsibility offense in Wilton may receive probation or a fine instead of jail time. If they are a first-time offender, they may be placed in the first offenders’ program, which is overseen by the office of adult relations but not necessarily probation for the person. Another circumstance that a person might receive probation instead of jail time is if they are not eligible for the first-time offender program and need to plead guilty to the charge. An attorney may be able to work out a lesser sentence than what is statutorily mandated.
Who May Face Penalties?
In Wilton, the owner of a vehicle could be arrested for evading responsibility even if they were not driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. Sometimes a vehicle is loaned to another person, and the person using the vehicle is involved in an accident and leaves the scene. They evade responsibility, return the vehicle, and the owner of the vehicle has no idea that an accident occurred, especially if there is no damage to the vehicle. That person could be arrested for evading responsibility because the car registered in their name was involved in the accident.
Speak with a Wilton Attorney About the Penalties for Evading Responsibility
When facing a hit-and-run charge, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Our team could help you mitigate the Wilton evading responsibility penalties and prepare you for the legal process. Call today.