Several factors, such as bad weather, crowds of walkers, or sunlight in the driver’s eyes, could result in a car making unintended contact with a pedestrian or another vehicle. Witnesses may believe they saw the wrong car, while a driver may not even realize that their vehicle has struck something.
A moment of confusion should not ruin a life. I, Christopher L. Jones, work as a Pickens County hit and run lawyer, and I know that no one leaves the house intending to get in an accident like this. If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, reach out to Chris Jones Law today to speak with a dedicated criminal defense attorney.
What Happens to Drivers After a Hit and Run?
When a vehicle strikes a person or an occupied car, the driver must remain at the scene, except to leave briefly to seek help. Hitting an empty car or a fixed object requires the driver to leave their relevant information. The laws on stopping for accidents appear in South Carolina Code § 56-5-1210, 1220, 1240, and 1250.
Failing to stop is a misdemeanor if your car accidentally damages an occupied vehicle or injures someone, but the sentence may include at least 30 days in jail and a fine of under $5,000. If someone dies in the collision or sustains serious bodily injury, the charge is a felony, liable on conviction to a sentence of up to 25 years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. Not assisting an injured person is a separate offense covered under S.C. Code § 56-5-1230 and 56-5-6190.
A skilled attorney could explain the potentially severe consequences of not stopping following a collision in Pickens County. The Department of Motor Vehicles could revoke your driver’s license, and you might have to pay much higher insurance premiums on your return to driving.
How Does a Hit and Run Attorney Help You?
Regardless of the circumstances, you should not have to face a hit and run charge in Pickens County without the help of a skilled defense attorney. Christopher L. Jones could manage all phases of the process, from pre-trial work to the trial and sentencing.
To convict a defendant or to persuade them to plead guilty, the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. For a charge of failing to stop at an accident, it must demonstrate that:
- The car identified was the one involved in the accident
- The defendant was the person driving the car at the time
- The defendant knew or should have known that a collision had occurred
- The defendant did not stop or return to the scene as required
Without the right evidence, the county solicitor may not be able to prove one or any of these factors. Your defense attorney could investigate the situation, reviewing any evidence from the accident and searching for other sources. Once they analyze the collision, they could determine how it took place and whether the charges are appropriate.
Contact a Pickens County Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident
Defense attorneys work with solicitors every day, presenting evidence and negotiating for their clients. On review, solicitors often agree to drop some charges or reduce the severity of sentencing. If the state has charged you or your loved one with failing to stop, a Pickens County hit and run lawyer could make a crucial difference for your future.
Contact me today at Chris Jones Law. The earlier we talk, the sooner we can work on your defense.
