Trusted Hit and Run Attorney in Arlington, VA

Being accused of a hit and run accident in Arlington or Fairfax, VA, can be a stressful experience. It can leave you feeling vulnerable and lost, especially if you don’t know what to do next. If you are accused or charged with a hit and run situation, you need a trusted Arlington hit and run attorney to help you navigate the legal implications.

At David Deane Law, we understand the stress and anxiety of such charges. Our hit and run attorney is here to support you with legal guidance and professionalism.

Hit and Run Attorney

Why You Need a Hit and Run Attorney for Your Legal Defense in Arlington, VA

A skilled hit and run attorney becomes your trusted guide during this challenging time. They will provide comprehensive legal counsel, helping you navigate the legal system, along with helping you understand your legal options, and protecting your rights.

Hit and Run Attorney

The Legal Implications of a Hit and Run Accident in Arlington, VA

Hit and run incidents can lead to license suspension, hefty fines, and legal complications. Victims have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To protect your rights, consult our experienced hit and run lawyer who offers free consultations.

Arlington Hit and Run Charges

In Arlington, a hit and run occurs when someone fails to stop or provide information after an accident. The elements of the crime differ for drivers and passengers.

Drivers can be charged with hit and run if they fail to report an accident that damages a person, an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, or causes injury or death. Passengers can be charged if they knowingly fail to report an accident after the driver does not.

The severity of the charge you face for leaving the scene of an accident depends on the circumstances of the accident.

  • Felony: Injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 – up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine
  • Misdemeanor: No injury or death, and property damage under $1,000 or damage to unattended property over $250 – up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine
  • Class 4 misdemeanor: Damage to unattended property under $250 – up to $250 fine
  • Felony: Injury or death, and failed to alert emergency services – up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine
  • Misdemeanor: No injury or death
    • Attended vehicle: Class 1 misdemeanor – up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine
    • Unattended vehicle with property damage over $250: Class 1 misdemeanor – up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine
    • Unattended vehicle with property damage under $250: Class 4 misdemeanor – up to $250 fine

An experienced hit and run accident attorney can navigate the legal complexities and help obtain fair compensation for medical bills in hit and run cases.

Arlington Hit and Run License Suspension Laws

In addition to potential criminal charges, a hit-and-run accident can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Here’s a breakdown of the license suspension laws in Virginia:

General Suspension

A hit-and-run conviction typically leads to a driver's license suspension of up to six months.

Attended or Unattended Property Damage

If you're convicted, as either a passenger or a driver, of a hit-and-run accident involving property damage exceeding $500 to an attended or unattended vehicle or property, your license may also be suspended for up to six months.

Driver Causing Injury

If you, as the driver, are convicted of a hit-and-run accident that caused injury and failed to stop and disclose your identity at the scene, your driver's license will be suspended for one year.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

For CDL holders, a hit-and-run conviction is considered a "serious driving violation." Two serious driving violations within three years result in a 60-day CDL suspension, while three or more violations within that timeframe lead to a 120-day suspension.

Losing your CDL can have significant consequences for your job and personal life. If you hold a CDL and face a serious moving violation charge, like Virginia reckless driving, seeking immediate legal counsel is a must. David Deane Law’s hit and run attorney is dedicated to protecting your right to drive. Don't hesitate to reach out for expert guidance and representation.

Find the Right Arlington Hit and Run Lawyer at David Deane Law

Protect Your Rights, Secure Your Compensation—Call Us Today!

Hit and run incidents are taken very seriously under Virginia state laws and can lead to severe penalties. To navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries, it is essential to hire a trusted hit and run lawyer.

At David Deane Law, our seasoned hit and run lawyer is committed to fighting for your rights. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation with our hit and run attorney.

Experienced Arlington, VA Hit and Run Attorney

Facing hit-and-run allegations in Arlington can result in significant legal consequences. Regardless of the gravity of the situation, departing from an accident scene can lead to both misdemeanor and felony charges. Hit-and-run cases involve various complex factors, underscoring the importance of having a seasoned Arlington traffic attorney on your side to navigate the intricate legal landscape. Only a skilled attorney will advocate for you, prioritizing your welfare and tirelessly working to ensure you receive the fair justice you are entitled to.

The Offense

In Arlington, the legal definition of a hit-and-run involves leaving the scene of an accident. This offense is typically applied when an individual neglects to halt their vehicle or provide necessary information following an accident. The severity of the charge varies based on the accident’s cause, the extent of injuries, and the amount of damage incurred.

The elements of this crime differ slightly depending on whether the person involved is the driver or a passenger. In Virginia, a driver can face a hit-and-run charge in any accident they fail to report if it damages a person, an occupied vehicle, an unoccupied vehicle, or if it causes injury or death. Conversely, a passenger can be charged with hit and run if they are aware that the driver failed to report the accident and they also fail to report it themselves.

Distinguishing Misdemeanor from Felony in Hit and Run Cases

When it comes to distinguishing between a misdemeanor and a felony in a hit-and-run case, the critical factor lies in the extent of property damage incurred. If the damage exceeds $1,000 or the accident leads to injuries or fatalities, it will be classified as a felony offense.

Advantages of Legal Representation

Engaging the services of a skilled Arlington hit-and-run attorney can prove invaluable when facing hit-and-run charges. An attorney can aid an individual in crafting the strongest possible defense, carefully evaluating all pertinent circumstances. Depending on whether injuries occurred and if property damage exceeded $1,000, the accused party could face either misdemeanor or felony charges. An attorney will assess your specific situation, clarify the charges against you, and develop a robust and suitable defense strategy.

Desirable Attributes of a Hit and Run Attorney in Arlington, VA

Those seeking a hit-and-run attorney in Arlington should seek legal counsel known for their meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the distinctions between various charge classifications. It’s also advantageous to find an attorney well-versed in the tactics commonly employed by Commonwealth prosecutors and what elements they must prove to elevate the case to felony status. Ideally, your lawyer should be a zealous advocate willing to engage with witnesses and diligently compile crucial information for your defense.

What to Expect for an Arlington, VA Lawyer

Each individual may hold unique expectations when seeking legal representation for a hit-and-run case in Arlington. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to anticipate that an attorney will diligently prepare a strong defense while thoroughly investigating all pertinent information. Furthermore, when considering hiring a defense attorney, it is reasonable to expect they will inquire about the incident, scrutinize every aspect, and construct a compelling defense tailored to the case’s specific circumstances.