Understanding Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Charge in Killeen

If you’ve been charged with a hit-and-run in Killeen, you might feel stressed about what happens next. It can be frightening to face this charge, especially if you’re unsure of your rights and how to protect them. The Killeen criminal defense attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers are here to help.

Texas takes hit-and-run charges seriously, as the law aims to hold people accountable for leaving the scene of an accident. However, it’s important to remember that a charge is not the same as a conviction.

What is a hit-and-run?

Here in Texas, a hit-and-run means being involved in a motor vehicle accident and then failing to stop to exchange information or help someone who might need assistance. It doesn’t matter if the accident was major or minor – you must typically stop and fulfill your responsibilities. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges, especially if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage.

Some of the scenarios that could lead to a hit-and-run charge include:

• Accidents causing injury or death. If someone is killed or hurt in an accident, the driver is required to stop and stay at the scene.
• Accidents causing property damage. Even if nobody is injured, drivers are still required to stop and exchange information if property is damaged.
• Unattended property damage. If a driver hits a parked car or someone else’s property and the owner isn’t around, the driver must stop and leave a note with their information so the owner can contact them.

Potential penalties for a hit-and-run charge in Killeen

The potential penalties for a hit-and-run in Texas depend on the severity of the accident. Leaving the scene can result in either a misdemeanor or felony charge.

• Leaving the scene of a collision involving the death of a person is a second-degree felony, which can result in no more than 20 years and no less than two years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000.
• Leaving the scene of a collision involving serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony, which can result in no more than 10 years and no less than two years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000.
• Leaving the scene of a collision resulting in damage to a vehicle is a Class C or Class B misdemeanor, depending on the value of the damages. A Class C misdemeanor can result in fines up to $500. A Class B misdemeanor can result in no more than 180 days in jail and fines of up to $2,000.

What are my rights after a hit-and-run charge?

Understanding your rights after a hit-and-run is important to building a solid defense and protecting your freedom. Remember, you have the right to:

• Remain silent. When you’re charged with a crime, anything you say can and will be used against you in court. It’s okay to stay silent when being questioned by police. Instead, tell the officer – respectfully – that you want to speak with your attorney before answering any questions.
• An attorney. You have the right to have a Killeen criminal defense lawyer represent you. Our defense attorneys understand the law and your rights and can help you work through the legal system to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
• Understand the charges against you. You also have the right to know exactly what you’re being charged with, what the prosecution is alleging you did, and the possible consequences if you’re convicted. We can help clarify these details and help you make sense of the legal process.
• Challenge evidence. A hit-and-run case often features a lot of physical evidence, like surveillance footage, witness testimony, and the physical damage to the vehicles. Our attorneys can examine this evidence closely to determine its reliability.

Defense strategies against hit-and-run charges in Killeen

The best defense strategy will depend on the circumstances of your case. Here are some of the defense strategies our Killeen hit-and-run defense lawyers can employ on your behalf:

• A lack of knowledge. Sometimes, people don’t realize that they were involved in a car accident. Maybe the impact was so minor that you didn’t notice or thought the damage was insignificant. If you truly didn’t know, this could be a defense in your case.
• Emergencies. In some cases, you might leave the scene of an accident because of a medical emergency or other urgent situation. We may be able to mitigate the charges against you if you had a health crisis that made it unsafe for you to remain at the scene.
• Mistaken identity. Surveillance footage can sometimes be blurry or unclear, making it possible for you to be misidentified at the scene.
• Contacting authorities. If you left the scene and later realized it was a mistake, you may be able to help your case if you contact the police voluntarily. Taking responsibility can show that you did not intend to flee the scene.

What do I do if I am facing hit-and-run charges in Killeen?

You don’t have to face hit-and-run charges alone. Our lawyers recommend taking the following actions.

Working with an experienced Killeen criminal defense attorney is one of the most important steps. We can review the details of your case, help you understand the charges against you, and work to develop a sound defense strategy. We understand the local laws and court systems.

If you have any photos, witness information, or other evidence related to the accident, share it with your attorney. We can use it to help build your defense.

We also understand that it’s common to want to share the details of your life online, but in the middle of a case, it’s best to avoid discussing any part of the accident on social media. Even an innocent post could be used by prosecutors to build a stronger case against you.

Finally, follow your attorney’s advice. We have the experience and knowledge to help you, so you can trust our judgment and follow our recommendations throughout your case.

In Killeen, the consequences of a hit-and-run can range from fines and probation to significant prison time, depending on the circumstances. But with a strong defense, you might be able to reduce the charges or even have them dismissed. This process may take time, but with the right legal support, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your rights are being protected.

If you’re facing a hit-and-run charge in Killeen, reach out to the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers today. With serious penalties on the line, having a skilled advocate by your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and building a strong defense. Our team understands the local laws and is here to guide you through each step, working to minimize the impact on your life. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and start fighting for your future with confidence. Call us or fill out our contact form today.