What Is a Hit and Run in Connecticut?
If you have recently been accused of a crime known as hit and run, you might assume that the consequences are not that serious. You might try to argue that you weren’t aware that an accident happened and that’s why you allegedly left the scene of the accident. However, if the other party can prove that there were good reasons for you to stay at the scene and can show that you broke the laws, you could be looking at significant consequences and penalties going forward.
You need to hire a knowledgeable Connecticut hit and run defense lawyer immediately. These charges can arise when a driver allegedly leaves the scene of a vehicle accident that has caused property damage or personal injury without appropriately identifying themselves to the property owner or the injured party or failing to contact the police.
When people leave the scene of the accident without reporting it or making themselves identified to the other persons involved, prosecutors and police are very suspicious as to why the driver disappeared to begin with. Usually, they assume that the person who has left the scene of the accident knew that he or she was responsible or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The official Connecticut crime referring to hit and run is known as evading responsibility and is outlined under C.G.S.14-224.
Whether this is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depends on the damage that the vehicle accident has caused. If you cause serious physical injury to another person, you could be looking at felony evading charges. However, if you left non-serious physical injuries or any type of damage to another person’s property and failed to report it or identify yourself, misdemeanor charges may apply. Misdemeanor charges carry maximum penalties of up to a year of probation, a year in jail or fines of up to $600. You certainly need an attorney to assist you with your evading responsibility charge in order to best protect yourself going forward.
