Hit and Run offenses are very common and can be very serious criminal traffic offenses in the State of Washington. Depending on the circumstances the consequences can range from long term jail and license suspensions to significant civil damages. If you have been arrested or believe you could be charged with a hit and run offense, contact one of our attorneys as soon a possible. See below for complete discussions on the different Hit and Run offenses and consequences.
Hit and Run of an Unattended Vehicle
In Washington, any driver who is involved in a collision with an unattended vehicle has a duty to provide the owner of that vehicle with his contact information. If the vehicle’s owner can not be located, the driver has a duty to leave his contact information on the struck vehicle. Failure to do these things constitutes a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Restitution to the victim is likely as well.
What makes this charge unique among criminal offenses in Washington is that it has the potential to be resolved civilly rather than criminally. It takes willingness on the part of the court and the victim, but in our experience, the vast majority of Hit and Run Unattended charges can be resolved in this manner. Time is usually of the essence however. If you have been charged with Hit and Run of and unattended vehicle in Washington, call us as soon as possible. One of our Washington Hit and Run Lawyers will help you determine the best way the avoid criminal prosecution.
Hit and Run Property Damage
In Washington, any driver who is involved in a collision with another’s property and causes damage has a duty to provide the owner of that property with his contact information. If the property’s owner can not be located, the driver has a duty to leave his contact information on the damaged property. Failure to do these things constitutes a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Restitution to the victim is likely as well.
What makes this charge unique among criminal offenses in Washington is that it has the potential to be resolved civilly rather than criminally. It takes willingness on the part of the court and the victim, but in our experience, the vast majority of Hit and Run Property Damage charges can be resolved in this manner. Time is usually of the essence however. If you have been charged with Hit and Run Property Damage in Washington, or think that you might be. Call us as soon as possible. One of our Washington Hit and Run Lawyers will help you determine the best way to avoid criminal prosecution.
Hit and Run of an Attended Vehicle
In Washington, any driver who is involved in a collision with an attended vehicle has a duty to provide the driver or other occupant of that vehicle with his name, address, vehicle and insurance information. Failure to do these things constitutes a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. Restitution to the victim is likely as well. An inherent danger with this offense is that it could become a Felony Hit and Run if there is an injury to the occupant of the other vehicle. Another important consideration is that even if a person does not cause the accident, he could be charged with Hit and Run of an Attended Vehicle if he does not comply with these requirements.
A conviction for Hit and Run of an Attended Vehicle carries a mandatory license suspension of one year. It also considered a major moving violation for purposes of the Habitual Traffic Offender statute.
Despite the very serious nature of this offense and the drastic consequences that could follow, if handled properly it is possible, if not likely that the case could be handled by way of a civil compromise between the parties. The result would mean a dismissal of the case. If you are in this situation do not hesitate to contact a Washington lawyer experienced with Hit and Run cases as soon as possible. Call or email one of our Washington Hit and Run Lawyers to help you determine the best way to avoid criminal prosecution.
Felony Hit and Run
A Felony Hit and Run can be charged when the elements of Hit and Run of an Attended Vehicle are present AND the driver or passenger of the other vehicle suffers injury or death. As with Hit and Run Attended, you can be charged even if the accident was not your fault. As a felony, it is one of the most serious Washington criminal traffic offenses and can result in actual prison time.