Salt Lake City Hit-And-Run Attorneys

Over 61,000 crashes occurred in Utah in 2023, and about 11% – over 6,500 – involve hit-and-runs. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense, requiring the help of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run defense attorney to help you avoid or reduce:

• Fines
• Jail time
• Imprisonment

Accusations of leaving the scene of an accident are serious, even if they’re untrue. In many cases, a person leaves because:

• They don’t know they hit an object or person
• The driver is afraid of the consequences

Your first instinct may have been to flee the scene, and once you do, it’s hard to go back.

What can you do?

Call a defense attorney who has experience handling hit-and-run cases. Since 2018, we’ve helped our clients navigate complex Utah traffic laws. We’ve helped clients with DUI and hit-and-run charges and resolved their cases with pleas to misdemeanors without losing their driver’s license or going to jail.

If you or someone you know is facing hit-and-run charges in Utah, we’re here to help.

Click here to contact us and learn how we may be able to help you with your charges.

 

Are “Hit and Run” Charges the Same As “Failure to Remain” Charges?

Utah Code § 41-6a-401, specifically Section 401.5 and 401.5, detail the requirement for drivers to stop at the accident if an injury or death occurs. Even if you only damage another vehicle, you must remain at the scene of the accident.

A “hit and run” and “failure to remain” are the same, as defined by the law.

You simply left the scene of the accident rather than stayed, as is required by law. You may have had your reasons for leaving, including fear of being the driver, but other common reasons include:

• Driving under the influence
• Driving without a valid license
• Not knowing that you hit an object or person
• Outstanding warrants

Fines, jail time, loss of license and higher insurance premiums are enough to cause a person to flee the scene of an accident.

As your Salt Lake City hit-and-run defense attorney, we’ll fight on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Is A Hit and Run a Felony in Utah?

A hit and run can be a felony, but it is often a misdemeanor charge. The law is clear in that Subsection (2) must be followed, which requires you to remain at the scene of the accident or as close as possible without obstructing traffic.

If you violate this subsection, you’ll face a misdemeanor except for when:

• Serious bodily injury to a person occurs
• Death occurs

In these two cases, you’ll face a third-degree felony and fines of not less than $750.

An attorney may work on your behalf to show that, although you were involved in a hit and run, you may not have known that serious bodily injury occurred.

You always want to stop at the scene of an accident because the consequences of fleeing are severe.

Along with imprisonment and fines, a felony can also affect:

• Your job
• Your right to vote
• Your right to own a firearm

If you’re facing a felony charge, it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney as early on in the process as possible.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident with Unattended Property?

On occasion, a driver may get into an accident with unattended property. For example, you’re driving around a blind curve at night and perhaps you don’t see the black car pulled over on the shoulder. You hit the side mirror, causing damage.

Stopping at the scene of the accident and waiting may not make sense.

Instead, the law has provisions that must be followed:

• Locate the owner and notify them of the accident, or
• Attach a written notice giving the driver your name, registration number, and address to the property owner

If you follow the instructions above, you did your duty to the best of your ability to notify the owner of the accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident or failing to notify the owner of the property about the accident has far-reaching consequences.

What Are the Consequences You Might Face for Hit and Run Charges in Utah?

If a driver is involved in an accident, they have a duty to remain at the scene, regardless of whether the accident involves another vehicle, another person or property.

Fleeing the scene of an accident can result in a hit-and-run charge.

The charges and penalties will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.

• If you flee the scene of an accident that you believe has caused damage to other vehicles or property, you may be charged with a class B misdemeanor. A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
• If you leave the scene of an accident that you believe caused injuries to another person, you can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. A class A misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 12 months in jail and fines of $750-$1,000.
• Fleeing the scene of an accident that you believe has caused serious injury or death will result in a more serious, third-degree felony charge. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

Along with these penalties, you may also have points added to your driver’s license and be cited with other charges.

A conviction can have far-reaching consequences. Your license may be suspended, making it harder to get to work, and you may face potential jail time.

Although it may feel like your case is hopeless, an attorney can help you find the best course of action and explain your options.

You don’t have to face these charges alone. Consult with a Salt Lake City hit-and-run defense attorney today to discuss your case.

How Should You Handle Your Hit and Run Charges in Utah?

If you’ve been charged with a hit and run, don’t attempt to fight the charges on your own. Consult with an experienced attorney who will help you protect your rights and find the best path forward.

There are a few ways an attorney can fight for you, including negotiating to:

• Reduce the charge to a lesser crime
• Lower the fine amount
• Reduce jail time
• Prevent license suspension

If it comes to it, your attorney will defend you at trial, working to build a solid defense and advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Hit-and-run charges are serious. An attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case and potentially avoid jail time.

Contacting A Salt Lake City Hit and Run Defense Lawyer Near You

If you’ve been charged with a hit and run, you may be worried about your future and unsure of which steps to take next. An experienced Salt Lake City hit-and-run defense attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

You don’t have to fight these charges alone.

The attorneys at Conyers & Nix have represented thousands of clients and have more than a decade of experience inside and outside of the courtroom.

Contact us today to discuss the details of your case and how we can help.