If you or a loved one has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in north Georgia and get convicted, the penalties can be harsh. You should contact an Alpharetta traffic violation law firm as soon as you are ticketed to protect your rights and possibly your freedom.
Georgia Code 40-6-270 Explained
Georgia Code 40-6-270 makes it very clear that leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense and that, if you’re convicted, your future can be jeopardized. The Code offers the following definition:
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 . . .
This definition makes it pretty clear what you should do when involved in a traffic accident—stop! The Code goes on to list exactly what you should do once stopped:
- Give your name, address, and vehicle registration number.
- Provide the person or driver struck with your driver’s license.
- Help anyone injured in the accident by arranging for or transporting him or her to medical care if requested to do so.
- Stay at the scene of the accident until all these things are completed.
When Leaving the Scene Becomes a Felony
The Code goes on to explain how leaving the scene can quickly become a felony. If there are serious injuries and/or death in the accident, and you do not follow the above rules, you can be convicted of a felony and suffer the following punishments:
- Imprisonment for at least one year and up to five.
- Fines from $300 up to $1,000. These fines are not “subject to suspension, stay, or probation.”
- If convicted a second time within five years, the fines are from $600 to $1,000 and a 12-month jail sentence.
- Loss of your driving privileges with no chance of a limited permit if convicted of a hit and run, which is simply striking another vehicle and driving away.
Why You Need a North Georgia Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer
A felony on your record can threaten not only your freedom and finances, but also your present and future employment. There are, of course, defense strategies for helping you avoid or lessen these penalties.
By contacting the Law Office of Scott Miller in Alpharetta, you will be taking the first step towards lessening or even dismissing the charges against you. But do not wait until the situation has gotten out of control. Contact us as soon as you are charged to get the best possible outcome. Your initial consultation is always free of charge.
