Charges for Leaving the Scene in Mesa

DUI Attorney Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe & the Entire East Valley

If you are involved in an accident which causes damage, injury, or death, the law requires you to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives and then cooperation with the police is expected, whether or not you are at fault. It is commonly found that drivers who have left the scene of an accident while driving under the influence did so out of fear of the consequences, due to alcohol or drugs being in their system. The impaired driver is often located by law enforcement as a result of witnesses taking the description of the car and capturing the license plate number. Although the penalties for DUI related accidents are significant, the added charge of leaving the scene of an accident will result in considerably harsher consequences. Contact a Mesa DUI attorney to discuss your case and options for case resolution.

Mesa DUI Lawyer

Failing to stop after damage to a vehicle is a misdemeanor and can result in 30 days in jail, fines of up to $500, and the loss of your license for one year. If the accident results in serious injury or death, failing to stop is a class 4 felony, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison. It is a class 3 felony if you caused the accident, which can result in a prison sentence of 3.5 years and license revocation for 5 years. If injuries are not serious, failing to stop is still a class 6 felony which can be followed by up to one year of incarceration and loss of license for 3 years. These prison terms can be increased with the presence of aggravating circumstances or prior convictions. Any sentence issued for leaving the scene is required by law to run consecutively to any sentence issued for any other offense related to the accident. The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, P.C. will launch an aggressive defense on your behalf and fight for resolution of your case in the most favorable terms possible.

If you have been charged with leaving the scene while driving under the influence, contact a Mesa DUI lawyer for legal assistance.