Castle Rock Hit and Run Lawyer

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be an incredibly stressful and confusing situation. Even if you didn’t intend any harm, failing to stop or provide aid after an accident is against the law in Colorado.

Potential charges range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances, and penalties may include fines, jail time, license suspension, and restitution payments.

At Right Law Group, we have extensive experience defending hit-and-run cases in Castle Rock and throughout Douglas County. We understand how high the stakes are, and we know how to build a strategic defense to challenge the charges. As Castle Rock hit-and-run lawyers, our goal is always to reduce or dismiss the charges when possible and minimize the penalties.

Hit and Run Accidents 101: Your Legal Duties Under C.R.S. 42-4-1601

Under Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1601, all drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must immediately stop and remain at the scene. Simply leaving without providing aid or reporting the accident is against the law.

You must stop as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic or jeopardizing safety. Drivers are then required to give reasonable assistance to injured parties, as well as call for medical aid and law enforcement. Exchanging driver and insurance information is also mandatory.

Failing to abide by these duties doesn’t just mean “leaving the scene.” Even if you stop briefly but then drive away without providing assistance or information, you may face charges for “failing to remain at the scene.”

The Serious Criminal Charges You May Face for Leaving the Scene in Castle Rock

Felony and Misdemeanor Penalties for Fleeing an Accident Under C.R.S. 42-4-1601

As outlined in C.R.S. 42-4-1601, hit-and-run convictions can result in the following:

• A class 2 misdemeanor if the accident results in property damage
• A class 1 misdemeanor if the accident resulted in non-serious bodily injury to any person
• A class 4 felony if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury
• A class 3 felony if the accident resulted in the death of any person

In addition to the criminal charges, the department will revoke the driver’s license of anyone convicted under this statute.

Some of the other common criminal charges we see for hit-and-run accidents in Castle Rock include the following:

• Careless Driving – If the initial accident involved unsafe or careless driving, this traffic offense may also be charged.
• Reckless Driving – More serious traffic violations like speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or erratic driving often lead to additional reckless driving charges.
• DUI/DWAI – If alcohol or drugs were involved, prosecutors may pile on D.U.I. or DWAI charges, which carry additional penalties.
• Vehicular Assault/Vehicular Homicide – When injuries or fatalities occur, more severe criminal charges often follow hit-and-run allegations.

Prosecutors have a wide range of charges at their disposal for hit-and-run cases depending on the specific circumstances and severity of damages. An experienced Castle Rock criminal defense attorney can help analyze the evidence and work to get charges reduced or dismissed.

How We Defend Castle Rock Hit and Run Cases and Mitigate Penalties

The consequences for hit-and-run convictions vary case-by-case but often include:

• Up to 1 year in jail for misdemeanor leaving the scene offenses
• 2-6 years in prison for felony leaving the scene charges involving serious bodily injury
• Up to 12 years in prison for accidents resulting in death
• Fines up to $2,000 plus court costs and fees
• 12-point traffic violation and driver’s license revocation

These penalties can be harsh, especially for those with no prior criminal record. Having an experienced lawyer to defend your rights is critical.

At Right Law Group, our top priorities when defending hit-and-run charges are to:

• Challenge the prosecution’s evidence that our client was actually involved or at fault for the initial accident
• Fight the intent and knowledge elements required for a conviction
• Negotiate diversion programs or plea deals for lesser traffic offenses when possible
• Present mitigating circumstances that explain why our client may have left the scene

We have successfully achieved charge dismissals, reductions, and diversion offers for many Castle Rock hit-and-run defendants by carefully analyzing the evidence and developing strong negotiation strategies.