Hit & Run Defense
Texas Hit And Run Defense Attorney
“I was in an accident, and fled the scene. What can I do now?”
What is a hit and run offense?
In Texas, hit and runs fall under two possible criminal offenses: Failure to Stop and Give Information (FSGI) and Failure to Stop and Render Aid (FSRA). Law enforcement also refers to this as Accident Causing Damage (FSGI) and Accident Causing Injury or Death (FSRA).
Failure to Stop and Give Information is a hit and run offense where a person is involved in an accident resulting in damages to either vehicle of over $200. If the State can establish that a person (1) was the operator of the vehicle involved in the accident, (2) knew they were involved in the accident, and (3) left the scene without exchanging information, that person can be charged with the hit and run offense of Failure to Stop and Give Information.
A person convicted of this offense, a class B misdemeanor, faces punishment up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Failure to Stop and Render Aid is a more serious hit and run offense where the accident involved bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death.
Again, for this offense the State must establish that a person was the operator of the vehicle involved in the accident and that it was reasonably apparent that medical attention was required. As a more serious offense, a person convicted of this offense could face anywhere from up to a year in the county jail, or up to 20 years in prison depending on the severity of the injury or if death is involved.
Finding a hit and run defense attorney in Texas
One of the most important things for a person to remember when they are involved in any accident is that they have a valuable constitutional right to remain silent. Even more important, however, is that a person suspected of these offenses have an attorney to advise them regarding their rights.
Victoria attorney Sierra Hatley’s extensive knowledge and experience puts her in a position to provide unparalleled legal representation in these types of cases. She has represented a number of individuals suspected and charged with these offenses and can fight to get the best possible outcome, in some cases, even being able to keep charges from being filed at all.
If you or someone you know has been accused of a hit and run, contact Hatley Law today at (361) 333-5620 or complete the online form below.