Unfortunately, if you fall into the category of leaving an accident scene, you have committed a very serious crime. It is even worse if you were under the influence while committing this crime. If caught, you will probably be charged with two offenses: driving under the influence (DUI) and hit-and-run. Both offenses entail severe punishments.

Even though the crimes mentioned above are potentially life-threatening, you still need to move on with your life and find a way back.

The first step moving forward is to hire a good criminal defense attorney. This lawyer thoroughly examines all the facts so that the dynamics and loopholes are soon discovered and prepared accordingly. Based on the facts of the case, your lawyer should present you with your options and prepare for a good defense.

Hit and Run

It is still constitutionally and morally wrong to be involved in an accident and flee the scene of the accident, even if you are not under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

According to several state statutes in the United States, drivers involved in an accident are obligated to stay at the site until the police show up.

Depending on the finer details of the hit-and-run incident, governments designate various criminal offenses and impose different punishments. Class 2 misdemeanors and Class F felonies are the multiple levels of violations.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

Driving under the influence charge (DUI) is a major felony. In normal circumstances, DUIs are often regarded as misdemeanors. However, the consequences can be dire, particularly if the driver was at fault for an accident.

DUI and Evading the Police

If an accident results in either destruction of property or injury to a person, it is subject to several legal requirements. The drivers of both vehicles are required to remain at the spot of the collision until the police inform them it's safe to do so.

If one happens to be substance abusing, they might flee the scene of the accident to avoid the responsibility for any damages caused. Another common reason drivers run away from the scene of the accident is that they may not have automobile insurance or be concerned about rising insurance costs. In other instances, they may have missed the collision or wanted to avoid the threat of driving under the influence charge.

There are serious criminal consequences for attempting to flee from an accident scene to avoid being charged with driving under the influence. The hit-and-run attempt might result in felony offenses based on the extent of the crash and how badly anybody was hurt. Additionally, while evaluating the penalty for the DUI offense, the information that a motorist was involved in a hit-and-run might be viewed as a Grossly Aggravating Factor.

DUIs and Hit and Run Defense Cases

A skilled criminal defense lawyer might completely change the outcome of your defense. It would be best if you immediately got in touch with a lawyer who has well vast in hit-and-run and DUI cases

Reasons People Commit DUI and Hit and Run Offenses

Police frequently accuse people of more than a DUI; usually, an allied charge involves departing the scene (hit and run). By the permutations of the authorities, one or more of the following factors may cause someone to flee the location of an accident they've been involved in:

• They are either drunk or high and, as a result, are driving under the influence (DUI)
• They lack auto insurance and are operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
• They have unfinished warrants.
• They attempt to avoid accountability since they have narcotics and illegal stuff in the car.

But there are cases where a person leaves an accident scene but not because of bad intentions like escaping the authorities. They are:

• The motorist stops and offers to swap insurance information, but the other driver tells them not to bother, probably because there wasn’t a lot of damage.
• Instead of hitting a person or another car, the motorist thought they had hit a deer or something else.
• The person could not stay on site because of a mental health issue. An example of such a condition is a severe anxiety attack.
• Real damage or a severe concussion caused ambiguity or disorientation
• It is also very possible that the motorist did not feel safe, so instead of discussing with the other affected person, they departed intending to call the police afterward, when they would be in a safe place.
• A learner driver became anxious and was unsure how to act, so they continued their journey, which usually happens with high school kids.

Conclusion

The prosecutor will argue that a drunk driver who causes an accident and flees the scene cannot be trusted in society. You might have innocently run away because you didn't know, but please stay clear of alcohol if you are going to be driving. You could be saving someone's life or yours. If you have to make a quick exit, order an Uber