What is a hit and run?

Leaving the scene of an accident—also called a hit and run—is when a driver does not stop and remain at the scene after a crash.

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-663 require a driver to do after an accident?

ARS § 28-663 (Duty to Give Information and Assistance) states that if a person is involved in an accident that leads to injury or death, or damage to a motor vehicle that is driven or attended by a person, they must give their name, address, and registration number to the other driver; if requested, provide their driver’s license to the other driver or attendants of the vehicle; and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including getting that person to medical treatment if necessary or requested.

What other Arizona hit and run laws apply in different situations?

Other related hit and run laws include: ARS 28-662 (a hit and run accident that causes only vehicle damage is a Class 2 misdemeanor); ARS 28-664 (a hit and run accident after hitting a parked vehicle is a Class 3 misdemeanor); ARS 28-665 (if a person hits and damages non-vehicle property—like a stop sign—this is a Class 3 misdemeanor when they leave the scene); and ARS 28-661 (if a person leaves the scene after causing injury or death, they will face a felony offense of a Class 2, 3, 5, or 6).

Why might someone leave the scene of an accident?

The page notes that a driver may leave the scene for many reasons, such as driving on a suspended license or without a license and fearing arrest, not having insurance, or panicking and having a momentary lapse in judgment.

Phoenix Hit and Run Defense Lawyer

Q: What are the classifications and penalties for violating hit and run laws in Phoenix?

Violating ARS § 28-663 can result in either a Class One misdemeanor or a Class Six felony. A first-degree misdemeanor could result in up to six months in jail. A Class Six felony could result in between three months and two years in prison for a first offense.

Phoenix Hit And Run Attorney

State law requires that people drive safely and follow traffic laws to avoid collisions. The law also requires people to stop and remain at the scene if a crash does occur. Leaving the scene of an accident—also called a hit and run—is a serious offense that can result in major penalties such as prison time and high fines.

Regardless of the circumstances of your case, you need help from a dedicated defense attorney if you are accused of leaving the scene of an accident. A Phoenix hit and run lawyer at the Grand Canyon Law Group can provide the representation and support you need to effectively challenge the prosecutor’s case. With legal guidance, you could work to reduce the charges and penalties against you or seek a case dismissal.

For a free legal consultation with a hit and run defense lawyer serving Phoenix, call 480-400-5555

REASONS FOR LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

A driver may decide to leave the scene of an accident for many reasons. Some may be driving on a suspended license or without a license and fear that they will be arrested. Others may flee after a collision because they do not have insurance. Some people simply panic and have a momentary lapse in judgment.

No matter the reason for leaving the scene of an accident, there are legal defenses available to combat hit and run charges. The skilled attorneys at our Phoenix office understand how to apply these defenses to seek a favorable outcome in a hit and run case.

Phoenix Hit And Run Defense Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555

HIT AND RUN LAWS IN PHOENIX

Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-663—titled Duty to Give Information and Assistance—outlines the duties a person has after they have caused a collision. If a person is involved in an accident which leads to injury or death, or damage to a motor vehicle that is driven or attended by a person, they must:

Give their name, address, and registration number to the other driver
If requested, provide their driver’s license to the other driver or attendants of the vehicle
Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident, including getting that person to medical treatment if necessary or requested

HIT AND RUN CLASSIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES

Violating this law can result in either a Class One misdemeanor or a Class Six felony. A first-degree misdemeanor could result in up to six months in jail. A Class Six felony could result in between three months and two years in prison for a first offense. To defend against these serious penalties, it is crucial for anyone facing hit and run charges to contact a skilled attorney in their area.

RELATED HIT AND RUN LAWS

Other hit and run laws cover other situations, but require many of the same duties:

ARS 28-662: A hit and run accident that causes only vehicle damage is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
ARS 28-664: A hit and run accident after hitting a parked vehicle is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
ARS 28-665: If a person hits and damages non-vehicle property—like a stop sign—this is a Class 3 misdemeanor when they leave the scene.
ARS 28-661: If a person leaves the scene after causing injury or death, they will face a felony offense of a Class 2, 3, 5, or 6.

These hit and run offenses can lead to severe criminal penalties that impact a person’s freedom and future. Prior convictions can further increase these penalties, as can aggravating factors like intoxicated driving. When the stakes are this high, it is critical to work with a Phoenix lawyer skilled at handling hit and run cases.

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CONTACT A PHOENIX HIT AND RUN ATTORNEY TODAY

Regardless of the reason, you could face serious consequences if you are accused of leaving the scene of an accident. However, you have the right to defend your case with help from a Phoenix hit and run lawyer.

At the Grand Canyon Law Group, our legal team is prepared to fight for your rights and work to combat the prosecution’s case using every available defense. Contact our office today to get started.