Leaving the scene of an accident (hit & run) is a serious offense in the state of Georgia for which there are considerable penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the hit and run, the penalties can even be greater than that of a DUI. The chief difference between these two offenses is that Hit & Run is a crime of specific intent, requiring a decision on the part of the offender to complete it. While DUI is rooted in the choice to drink, driving and drinking are not treated as a crime of specific intent. Limited driving permits are not available to those convicted of Hit & Run.

Experience is the Difference

Hall County DUI attorney Richard Lawson has over 20 years of experience defending Hit & Run and similar cases. His experience as a DUI prosecutor gives him a unique edge as a defense attorney for DUI and other traffic violation cases. As Georgia's top rated and most reviewed lawyer, he will put his experience to work and uphold your rights in court in your hit and run case. His unparalleled understanding of Georgia DUI and traffic law will make all the difference in your case so you are able to resolve the issue and carry on with your life.

What Does A Hall County DUI Attorney Do in a Hit & Run Case?

Because there are variations of the offense, there are also variations in its associated penalties. A violation of the Hit and Run Law (O.C.G.A 40-6-270) carries the most serious consequences, with a six-month license suspension and no access to early reinstatement or a limited driving permit. It is a "hard" suspension. This form of suspension can cause car insurance rates to skyrocket. But it is also that offense violates less punitive laws, like Duty upon Striking unattended vehicle O.C.G.A 40-6-271 & Duty to Report an Accident O.C.G.A 40-6-273. Your attorney will do everything in his power, applying the law to the facts in your case, to reduce your charges to a lesser offense. Reduction of charges may be possible in your Hit and Run case.

Georgia Hit and Run Law

According to Georgia law O.C.G.A. 40-6-270, (the Hit and Run statute):

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person or in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident or shall stop as close thereto as possible and forthwith return to the scene of the accident and shall:

(1) Give his or her name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving;

(2) Upon request and if it is available, exhibit his or her operator's license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with;

(3) Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such transporting is requested by the injured person; and

(4) Where a person injured in such accident is unconscious, appears deceased, or is otherwise unable to communicate, make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency medical services and local law enforcement are contacted for the purpose of reporting the accident and making a request for assistance. The driver shall in every event remain at the scene of the accident until fulfilling the requirements of this subsection. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

(b) If such accident is the proximate cause of death or a serious injury, any person knowingly failing to stop and comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

O.C.G.A. 40-6-271 (Duty upon striking unattended vehicle) states as follows:

(a) The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle or shall leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle struck a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and the owner of the vehicle doing the striking.

(b) Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Contact a Hall County Hit and Run Attorney 

If you have been charged with a Hit and Run charge in Georgia, contact a Hall County DUI Attorney today for immediate legal attention. We are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year because your problems need immediate attention.