I Committed a Hit-and-run. How Long Will It Take for the Police to Find Me?

It’s the kind of mistake that can haunt you for years—you were in a hurry, hit something, and drove away without stopping.

Now you’re left wondering, I committed a hit and run. How long will it take for the police to find me?

The truth is hit-and-runs can often go undetected for weeks or even months before law enforcement catches wind of what happened. But with new technology, it’s becoming easier than ever for hit-and-run drivers to get caught red-handed.

So how long will it take for the police to find you if you committed a hit-and-run?

That is exactly what we’ll explore today.

What Is a Hit-and-run?

A hit and run is a type of car accident where one driver hits another vehicle, person, or piece of property and then leaves the scene without stopping to provide their contact and insurance company information or help anyone who may have been injured.

In most cases, they are charged as a misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado. However, depending on the case details, it can be charged as a felony.

Hit and runs can be incredibly dangerous, leaving victims without help or support and leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. They’re also illegal in Colorado and can result in serious criminal charges and penalties for drivers who flee the scene.

How Long Does It Take the Police to Find a Hit-and-run Driver?

Over half of hit-and-run cases are never solved. This means that the chances of being caught after a hit-and-run can be quite slim. Still, with streetlight cameras becoming more prevalent, the likelihood that law enforcement will be able to track down the perpetrators is increasing.

Many factors affect how quickly law enforcement will pursue a suspect in a hit-and-run case, including:

• The accident’s severity
• Whether serious bodily injury or fatalities occurred
• Any evidence left behind at the scene

Additionally, if there were witnesses who took down the license plate number or saw enough to give a description of the driver, they could help further speed up the process.

Ultimately, the answer to this question is: it varies. It could be a few days to a few months before police officers catch up to you.

What If You’re Caught? ⎸ Hit-and-run Penalties

If you’re caught after committing a hit-and-run, it can spell disaster for your future.

The consequences of being charged under Colorado hit-and-run laws are steep.

Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be facing civil and criminal penalties including:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Community service
• Increased insurance premiums
• Personal injury lawsuit by injured persons

No matter what situation arises, if you’re found guilty of a hit and run, you should expect significant repercussions—immediate ones (like penalties) and longer-term ones (like higher insurance costs).

Can You Fight a Hit-and-run Charge?

It is possible to fight a hit-and-run charge with the help of experienced criminal defense attorneys. To successfully defend against a hit-and-run charge, your attorney may use various criminal defense strategies.

Some of the most common defenses to hit and run charges include:

• Lack of knowledge — If you were unaware that you were involved in an auto accident or that another vehicle or person was damaged, you might be able to argue that you did not leave the accident scene with the intent to avoid responsibility.
• Mistaken identity — If you were wrongly identified as the driver who left the scene of an accident, your attorney might be able to present evidence showing that you were not involved in the accident.
• Necessity — In some cases, a driver may be forced to leave the scene of an accident due to an emergency or safety concern. For example, if you hit a pedestrian in a high-crime area and were afraid for your safety, you may be able to argue that leaving the scene was necessary to protect yourself.
• Lack of damage — If there was no damage caused by the accident or if the damage was minor, your attorney may be able to argue that you did not need to remain at the scene and that leaving was not a violation of the law.
• Duress — If you were coerced or threatened into leaving the accident scene by another person, you may be able to argue that you were under duress and, therefore, should not be held responsible for leaving the scene.
• Intoxication — If you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) at the time of the accident, your attorney might be able to argue that you were unaware of the accident or that you left the scene because you were not in a clear state of mind.

It’s important to remember that every case is different, and the best defense strategy for your situation will depend on the unique circumstances of your case.

If you’ve been charged with a hit-and-run, it’s essential to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Facing a Hit-and-run Charge in Colorado Springs? Call Right Law Group.

Have you been charged with a hit-and-run traffic violation, or are you under investigation in Colorado Springs, CO?

With the serious consequences that come with a hit-and-run conviction, you need an attorney who can aggressively defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact Right Law Group today to schedule a FREE consultation and build your defense against hit-and-run charges. With our help, you can fight back against these charges and protect your future.