Leaving the scene turns an accident into a criminal case.
The penal consequences for "hit-and-run" offenses depend entirely on the physical outcome of the collision. Leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a nonfatal injury to another person is classified as a Class B5 felony. Class B5 felonies carry serious base sentences of one to ten years in prison. If the accident resulted in the tragic death of a person, leaving the scene is elevated to a Class B4 felony, exposing the offender to identical base ranges but with significantly higher enhancement ceilings for recidivists. The law strictly mandates that operators remain at the scene to render reasonable aid and provide identification; failure to do so converts a tragic accident into a severe, intentional criminal liability.
Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a misdemeanor carrying an immediate license revocation, up to 1 year in jail, and a $500 fine. If a person was injured, it becomes a felony carrying 10 days to 2 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000. If the accident resulted in death, the felony penalty escalates severely to 1 to 10 years in prison.
We defend hit-and-run cases by challenging whether you were actually aware an accident occurred, whether you were the driver of the vehicle, whether you attempted to stop but left due to safety concerns, and whether the identification evidence (surveillance, witnesses) is reliable. Insurance and restitution issues also create negotiation opportunities.
We defend leaving the scene of an accident cases in courts across northeastern Oklahoma, including state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation. A former prosecutor will review your case and outline your best defense options.