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Bellevue Hit and Run Attorneys
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Hit & Run Criminal Attorneys
Hit and Run is a very frequently charged offense here in Washington State, and it arises in situations where most people quite simply panic, and don't know what to do. Often, these situations arise out of people not knowing what they are required to do in the event of an accident. Hit and Run "Unattended" is a misdemeanor offense, meaning that if you are convicted, you could face a maximum of 90 days in jail, and a $1,000.00 fine.
Unlike your constitutional rights, which you automatically obtained by virtue of your United States citizenship, the there is no constitutional right to drive/operate a motor vehicle. Driving is a privilege, which the states are free to regulate. What does that mean? It means that the State can set driving rules, penalties for violations, and it has authority to suspend or revoke your privilege to drive if certain conditions are met.
Because the privilege to drive is not a right, it is much easier to strip you of your ability to drive a motor vehicle. Hit and Run convictions are one of those situations that allow the State to suspend/revoke your driving privileges. But, only if you are convicted of Hit and Run "Attended" There is no license suspension if you are merely convicted of Hit and Urn "Unattended".
If you are on this page, chances are that you or a loved one was arrested for Hit and Run, which, as referenced above, comes in two different varieties: Hit and Run Attended, and Hit and Run Unattended. There are different requirements and different penalties for each variety, although the two are similar in that if you were arrested, the police and the prosecuting team are alleging that you did not comply with all of your statutory duties when you were in the collision.
Hit & Run Attended
With Hit and Run Attended, RCW 46.23.020, there was another driver involved, and possible personal injury. With Hit and Run Unattended there was not another driver involved, and there is only property damage. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision with another driver in Washington State you are REQUIRED to stop and provide the following information to the other person involved in the accident:
(1) Your name;
(2) Your address;
(3) Your insurance company;
(4) Your insurance policy number;
(5) Your license number (and show it to the other driver);
(6) You must provide reasonable assistance if the other driver is injured.
Hit and Run Attended is considered a gross misdemeanor, RCW 9A.20.021(1)[c](2) meaning if you are convicted you could face up to 365 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and a one year license revocation. You could be convicted if you failed to provide any of the above. For example, if you stopped, provided you name, number, and license number, and then you left the scene, you could still be convicted! That is still the case even if you had good intentions hoping the person would contact you later. This statute does not require that you intended or didn't intend to do anything.
Hit & Run Unattended
With Hit and Run Unattended, RCW 46.52.010, there was not another driver, meaning that there was only property damage. The requirements under this section are less than if there was another driver, and the penalties are less as well. If you strike another vehicle without another driver, you must:
(1) Immediately stop, locate, and notify the operator/owner of the other vehicle;
(2) Leave your name and address;
OR
(1) If you cant find the driver, leave the information somewhere they can find it.
Hit and Run Unattended is considered a misdemeanor, meaning that if you are convicted you could face a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, and a $1,000 fine. Here's a simple chart to break everything down:
Chart
| Hit & Run Attended | Hit and Run Unattended | |
| Statute | RCW 46.52.020 | RCW 46.52.010 |
| Class of Offense | Gross Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor |
| Maximum Penalties | 365 days in jail; $5,000 fine; one year license revocation by the Department of Licensing | 90 days in jail; $1,000 fine |
| Requirements if you’re involved in an accident | Provide your name, address, insurance company name, insurance policy number, vehicle license number, and display your license to the other driver
If they are injured, you are required to provide reasonable assistance | Immediately stop and locate and notify the owner/operator other vehicle, AND provide your name and address
If you can’t find the other driver, you need to leave your name and address in an easy to find place on their vehicle |
How Can Our Bellevue Hit and Run Attorneys Help?
This is where Washington Criminal Attorneys can help you present a strong defense to this criminal charge. It is crucial that you get an attorney on your behalf between you and the State. Like all other criminal charges, the police and the prosecutors have a job to do, and it is not to minimize the consequences to you! Over the past 20 years we have quite literally had hundreds of clients in the same exact position you are currently facing. Our attorneys have a broad range of skills, resources, and creative approaches to make sure your interests are protected.
The attorneys at Washington Criminal Attorneys, understand how unfair this can feel. We understand the emotions that run through our client's minds when they are arrested. Most of our clients are not career criminals. They are simply people that might have made a poor decision, and as the old adage goes, "bad things happen to good people." It is our job to tell your story, to position you the right way in front of both the prosecutor and the court, to make sure we are available when you need us, and to offer our guidance throughout this confusing and overwhelming process.
If any of this sounds like it happened to you, call us right away. Now that you have been criminally charged, a million thoughts are running through your mind. Do I still have a license? Are the police going to show up at my work to arrest me? Am I going to go to jail? What happens next? How will I get to work? Will I lose my job? Will I be prevented from advancing my career? Can I relocate? Am I on probation right now? These questions are normal! You are not alone! When you call our offices, you will speak to one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys, and we will take the time to go through all of your questions in detail.
The initial consultation is free, and we will take the time to learn about your specific case, and give you our honest assessment of where your case stands. Remember, NEVER speak to the police, detectives, or anyone from the prosecutor's office without an attorney. They have one job, and that is to make sure you are convicted. If you are reading this page and you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is now them against you. With something as important as your freedom at stake, don't make the mistake of handling your criminal charge alone.
Washington Criminal Attorneys will be there for you, and go to battle for your defense.
Call Us Now for a Free Case Evaluation.
In our experience, many Bellevue Hit and Run cases are either a misunderstanding or simply a momentary lapse of judgement.
Regardless of the circumstances involved in your Hit and Run case, our Bellevue criminal driving attorneys will fight to protect your legal rights.
There are a variety of reasons why someone may not properly stop after being involved in a traffic accident. Whether it was because you were afraid or you simply didn’t realize you were actually hit something, you now find yourself in this unenviable position of having to defend yourself – but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today to discuss your case and start moving forward.
There are two different types of Hit and Run – Attended and Unattended. The difference between the two is whether there was another person involved. For example, if you struck a parked car or a fence and then left, you would be charged with hit & run unattended. If you struck a car with a person in it then you would be charged with hit & run attended.
Hit & Run attended is the more serious of the two with a maximum penalty of 354 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. For most people though, the biggest concern is that it also comes with a 1 year license suspension. On the other hand, Hit & Run unattended has a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine but does not come with any license suspension.
If you find yourself facing either of these two criminal charges, contact our offices today for a free consultation.
Talk to one of our Bellevue Hit & Run lawyer today. Call now for a free case evaluation.