Have you been arrested for a hit and run car accident in Louisville? A hit and run conviction can have devastating consequences – today and down the line. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers a Suhre & Associates, LLC for immediate legal assistance. Our law firm offers a free consultation, so give us a quick call at (502) 371-7000 or reach out to us online to schedule yours today.
Table of Contents
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Hit and Run Charge
When you hire one of our hit and run accident lawyers, we will work diligently to find the best possible solution to your case. To accomplish this goal, you can expect us to:
Protect Your Constitutional Rights
As a citizen or resident of the United States, you are afforded certain rights by the constitution. Throughout the legal process, law enforcement officials and prosecuting attorneys are obligated to respect those rights. Unfortunately, they sometimes cross the line.
When you have one of our knowledgeable attorneys by your side, we will call out any rights violations that we spot. If your rights were infringed upon before you had a chance to give us a call, we will raise the issue with the appropriate authorities. As a result, we may be able to have some of the evidence against you thrown out.
Provide You with Legal Advice and Guidance
From the moment you are placed under arrest, you will face a lot of difficult decisions. If you make the wrong calls, you could do serious damage to your chances of clearing your name. If you want to make the right choices, you will need the help of an experienced lawyer.
The attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC in Louisville have helped hundreds of clients through their hit and run cases. We can provide you with the advice and guidance you need to make those tough calls.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney
Just about every aspect of your legal case is up for negotiation – from the size of your bail bond to the offense that you are convicted of. Of course, negotiating with an experienced prosecutor isn’t easy. You will need the help of a skilled attorney.
Our Louisville criminal defense lawyers have been negotiating with prosecutors for years. As such, we know exactly how to convince them to lower their bail recommendations and reduce the severity of their charges. If there is a deal to be made, we will work diligently to make it happen.
If you would like to enjoy the many benefits of working with a Suhre & Associates, LLC criminal defense attorney, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We would be more than happy to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case in greater detail.
Defining Hit and Run Under Kentucky Law
Before you can fight back against your criminal charge, you must first have a good understanding of the offense that you have been accused of. So, let’s take a look at how the state of Kentucky defines the crime of hit and run:
Chapter 189 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes
According to chapter 189 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, any motorist who is involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage has a duty to stop. You must then determine the severity of the situation and render aid as needed. In serious cases, you may be required to call the emergency services and wait for them to arrive.
The law also stipulates that you must provide the other party with the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number, and
- Insurance information.
If the other vehicle is occupied when the accident occurs, this information can be handed directly to the other driver. If it is unoccupied, however, it should be left in a clear and conspicuous place on the other car.
Drivers who leave the scene of the accident without fulfilling their legal obligations may face a hit and run charge.
The experienced attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC in Louisville have handled countless hit and run cases over the years. If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing this offense, please contact us as soon as possible. We would love to help you put together an effective defense strategy.
Punishments for Hit and Run Convictions in Kentucky
The penalties for hit and run convictions in Kentucky largely depend on the seriousness of the accident. Crashes that result in death or serious injury are punished much more severely than collisions that only cause property damage.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident That Results in Minor Injuries or Property Damage
In the state of Kentucky, fleeing from a car accident that caused property damage or a minor injury is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Potential punishments for an offense of this nature include up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. Six penalty points may also be assessed to the offender’s driver’s license.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident That Results in Death or Serious Injuries
Leaving the scene of a car crash that results in a death or a serious injury is usually categorized as a Class D felony in Kentucky. Possible punishments include up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. A hit and run conviction of this nature may also cause the offender’s driver’s license to be suspended for six months.
As you can see, being arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident can result in some extremely serious punishments. If you would like to maximize your chances of avoiding jail time or a suspended license, please do not hesitate to contact our Louisville legal team. We will review your case and work with you to put together a plan to fight back against your criminal charges.
Potential Defenses to Your Kentucky Hit and Run Charges
The fact that you have been charged with fleeing from the scene of an accident does not have to mean that you will be convicted. With a well-thought-out defense strategy, it may be possible to clear your name and have your criminal charges dropped.
Over the years, our Louisville hit and run defense lawyers have used a wide range of arguments to defend our clients after a car accident. Some of the most effective ones include:
Being Unaware of the Accident
If your car accident was relatively minor, it is possible that you didn’t even realize it happened. This is particularly common in fender-bender collisions that occur in mall or grocery store parking lots.
Our defense attorneys will show the court that you did not know about the accident. Then, it may be possible to get your charges dropped. Of course, before they will dismiss your case, you will need to present some proof that you were unaware of the crash. Surveillance camera footage and witness testimony is usually the most effective evidence you will find.
Emergency Circumstances (Choice of Evils)
If your accident happened while you were taking your spouse to the emergency room, you may have decided to keep going to get them the care they need. Hit and run crashes of this nature are generally treated quite leniently. In many cases, they may be dismissed entirely.
Of course, as with any legal defense, you will need to provide supporting evidence if you want the court to believe your story. Hospital admission documents and witness statements are almost certainly your best bet.
Involuntary Intoxication
Involuntary intoxication happens when two of your medications react in an unexpected way – clouding your judgment. When this happens, our attorneys may be able to have your charges dismissed on medical grounds.
Proving involuntary intoxication can sometimes be a little bit tricky. Generally speaking, however, a statement from your physician or testimony from another medical expert will be the most effective way to prove your case.
It is worth noting that claiming that you were voluntarily intoxicated will not help your case. In fact, it is likely to add to your legal troubles.
Contact Our Louisville Hit and Run Lawyers Today
The attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC are proud to provide top-notch criminal defense services to our friends and neighbors in Louisville, KY. Whether you are facing a hit and run charge or you have been arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol, you can count on us to fight on your behalf. To set up an initial consultation with a member of our legal team, just give us a call or contact us online.
Visit our Law Office in Louisville, Kentucky
Suhre & Associates, LLC
214 S Clay St A
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 371-7000
