Hit and Run Lawyer Virginia
DWI Attorney Serving Fairfax and Surrounding Areas
Defending Clients Against Hit and Run Accident Charges
If you were involved in a hit and run accident — even if you haven't been charged — it is imperative to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Perhaps you are an uninsured driver. Perhaps you were simply frightened. Whatever the circumstances, we will listen without passing judgment. Together, we will discuss your options and decide the next steps.
Every minute matters in a hit and run accident case. Call or e-mail the criminal law attorneys of MacDowell & Associates, in Fairfax, Virginia, for a free consultation. Call 703-763-0923.
What is a Hit and Run Accident?
Virginia law looks at whether the accident involved only unattended property (for example, an unoccupied car, or a fence) or attended property (that is, another vehicle with one or more persons inside). Punishment differs depending on the type of Hit and Run accident it is, whether the other car's occupants are injured, and whether the amount of damage is more than $1000.00.
If you do not 1) check on the other people involved in the accident, 2) attempt to contact the owner of the car or other property that you hit and 3) notify police within 24 hours of the accident, your accident will be considered a hit and run.
Possible Penalties
Penalties for a hit and run accident can be severe. If there was an injury or significant property damage, you could be convicted of a Class 5 felony and you may face up to 10 years in prison and up to $2500 in fines. If the accident was less serious, you may still face a year in jail, fines and suspension of your driver's license.
Aggressive Defense
The Commonwealth of Virginia comes down hard on hit and run accidents, but that does not mean the situation is hopeless. We have more than 20 years of experience representing people facing various traffic violations, including leaving the scene of an accident.
As part of our comprehensive representation, we will:
- Investigate your accident
- Challenge the prosecution's evidence
- Identify any contributing medical conditions
- Determine the full extent of damage caused by the hit and run accident
Our attorneys understand how prosecutors tend to think — our founder, Richard MacDowell, is a former prosecutor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, we are often able to negotiate an agreement to dismiss or reduce the charges against our client.
