what to do if you’ve been accused of a hit and run defense lawyer blog

by Lorenzo Mayer 7 min read

If you are being charged with a hit and run, you should consult with an experienced and local criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. It is important that your legal rights are protected, and that the situation is resolved quickly.

Full Answer

What to do if you are charged with a hit and run?

You should consult with attorneys rights away if you have been charged with a hit and run offense, and choose the one you think is best able to represent you. An experienced criminal defense attorney will know the applicable law, and be familiar with your type of case.

What are the defenses to a hit and run charge?

Responding To an Emergency: If you fled the scene of the accident because you were responding to an emergency, such as driving to the hospital, you may be able to use that as a defense against hit and run charges.

What evidence is needed to prove a hit and run accident?

Some examples of evidence needed to prove a hit and run accident include, but may not be limited to: Evidence of missed work due to injuries resulting from the accident. What Are You Required to Do at the Scene of a Hit and Run? How Long After a Hit and Run Accident Can You Be Charged? Are There Any Legal Defenses for a Hit and Run Charge?

What happens after a hit and run accident?

The victim of the accident may choose to file a lawsuit against the offender in order to recover costs associated with the accident. Law enforcement will attempt to track down the driver responsible for the hit and run accident. They may do this by using evidence provided by witnesses, as well as footage from surrounding security cameras.

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Neal Weingart Published in The Oregon Defense Attorney

My article, " Know When to Hold 'Em, Know When to Show 'Em ," was published today in The Oregon Defense Attorney , The Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association's bi-monthly magazine.

Felony Theft Resolved for Misdemeanor

My office recently settled a case of felony theft, specifically theft in the first degree, where an employer amassed a substantial amount of evidence against our client. Our office worked hard for the resolution, and our client can continue living their life without the disruption of a felony conviction.

Preparing Your Defense Against Manufacturing Drug Crime Charges

Every drug manufacturing crime case is different from the next and the prior, and so each one is unique in how it must be handled. There are, however, basic guidelines and grounds that show up in every case.

Second Major Dismissal This Week

Here at Neal Weingart, Attorney at Law, LLC, our clients are having an amazing week. In addition to our huge dismissal of an entire complex kidnapping case, we got another client a dismissal of an Aggravated Theft charge that would have sent him to prison for a mandatory three years.

Kidnapping Dismissal

Our office recently had a major dismissal in a Washington County Measure 11 case. The District Attorney dismissed all charges, including Kidnapping, Assault in the Second Degree, Strangulation, Coercion and multiple counts of Assault. The firm uncovered and was able to prove major inconsistencies in the victim's story.

I've Been Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime! What Do I Do?

One of the worst things that can happen to a person is to be accused of a crime that they didn't commit, especially if it is an alleged sex crime. An accusation of rape or molestation can completely destroy a person's reputation and future, exposing them to potential prison time and possible sex offender registration.

Neal Weingart Elected to OCDLA Board of Directors

Attorney Neal Weingart of Neal Weingart, Attorney at Law, LLC has been elected to the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's (OCDLA) Board of Directors! The OCDLA is a community of criminal defense attorneys practicing throughout the state of Oregon that offers training programs, seminars, and other resources for criminal and juvenile defense lawyers.

What defenses can an attorney raise for a hit and run?

If you have been charged with a hit and run offense, there are some possible defenses that an attorney can raise on your behalf: Involuntary Intoxication: Although this defense may not be very likely to be used successfully, it has been used before.

What is the importance of knowing someone's fault in a hit and run?

Unaware of an Injury: Knowledge is an important component of establishing someone’s fault in a hit and run. Of course, it is difficult to establish that you were totally unaware that you caused injury to someone else, or damage, with your vehicle.

What is hit and run?

A hit and run accident occurs when the driver of a vehicle hits another vehicle or a pedestrian, bicyclist or even non-moveable property, then leaves the scene where the accident occurred without checking on anyone or leaving any identifying information. A party to a vehicular accident is legally required to stay on the scene ...

What is the legal requirement for a party to stay on the scene of a vehicular accident?

A party to a vehicular accident is legally required to stay on the scene and exchange contact and insurance information with any other parties to the accident. This way, when fault is established, parties may obtain monetary damages from each other/each other’s insurance companies.

What information is required to resolve an accident?

Each party to the accident should provide: Driver’s license number (not a photo of your ID-protect your information); Insurance information; Name and contact information; and. License plate number.

Is hit and run a felony?

It is very serious to be charged with a hit and run offense. Depending on the resulting damage and injury, or even loss of life, the driver at fault may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. A situation where the victim of the accident sustained serious injury or death is much more likely to be charged as a felony, ...

Can you be charged with a hit and run?

You can be charged with a hit and run offense even if you were not at fault, or if the other driver was at fault, or if you didn’t even hit another vehicle. There are still duties that must be met. Parties involved in an accident are required to: Remain on the scene (and, usually, wait for police officers);

FOR A HIT AND RUN CASE

The right criminal justice lawyer for hit and run knows the local practice of the judges and prosecutors.

THE DEFENSES TO A HIT AND RUN CASE

The process of effectively defending a hit and run accusation begins with an interview of the client to determine why there may be a hit and run investigation and to learn about the clients general background.

RESOLUTION OF THE HIT AND RUN CASE

The successful resolution of a the case depends on what is in the best interest of the client.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is devastating. It leaves you with many pressing questions:

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is when the at-fault driver hit s another vehicle or person and does not stop to:

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Hit-and-Run? Breaking Down Your Situation

It is best practice to contact a personal injury lawyer if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident. They can assess your situation and give you their advice on the best way to proceed.

Eng & Woods Can Help

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run or other type of car accident, contact the team at Eng and Woods Attorneys at Law. The lawyers at Eng & Woods represent clients with hit-and-run, uninsured motorist and phantom vehicle cases daily and can ensure you are getting fair compensation from your insurance company.

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