What is Hit and Run in DC
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Washington DC & MD criminal lawyers for hit and run offenses
What is hit and run in dc
A question we routinely hear is what is hit and run in DC. Well, there is no statute called “hit and run. ” Most people are referring to leaving after colliding when they say hit and run. In the District of Columbia, a person will be charged with leaving after colliding property damage if that person did operate or was in physical control of a vehicle within the District and knew or had reason to believe that his or her vehicle was in a collision, failed to immediately stop and, where real or personal property belonging to another was damaged or a domestic animal was injured, failed to provide identifying information to the owner or operator of the property or the owner of the domestic animal or, where the owner or operator of the property or the owner of the domestic animal was not present, provide or cause another to provide identifying information and the location of the collision, to law enforcement. D.C. Code§ 50-2201.05c(a)(2) (2013)
what is the Penalty for hit and run in the district of columbia?
There two different typs of “Hit and Run” in the District of Columbia.
- Property Damage Penalty
If you are found guilty of leaving after colliding property damage, the penalty for a first offense property damage is $250.00 dollars fine and/or 30 days in jail. D.C. Code § 50-2201c(d)(2) (2013) - Personal Injury Penalty
If you found guilty of leaving after colliding personal injury, the penalty for first offense is $1000.00 fine and/or 180 days in jail. D.C. Code § 50-2201c(d)(2) (2013)
I Received a letter from the police saying the listed vehicle left the scene of an accident, What should I do?
We usually get involved with this kind of case when a citizen receives correspondence from the metropolitan police department that says the listed vehicle was involved in an accident. The correspondence will indicate that they want you to call the police officer and come into the police station to give your side of the story. You should contact a criminal attorney before responding to this letter. See Blog on Received Letter from Metropolitan Police Department.
Should I contact the police before Contacting a Criminal Attorney?
The short and long answer is “no.” Never go without an attorney to talk to the police. Even if you believe you did nothing wrong, it is hard to advocate for yourself; furthermore, anything you say will be used against you. Remember you are not under arrest so if you walk into the police station they do not have to read you your Miranda warnings and therefore, all statements are admissible.
So if you got one of these letters in the mail contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you with going to the police station. Feel free to contact us.