How Can a Lawyer Help Me if  I Was Charged With Hit and Run?

 Posted on December 20, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Wisconsin law requires individuals involved in a serious car accident to stop and exchange contact information. However, some drivers flee the scene. Whether due to the shock of experiencing a traumatic car crash or in an effort to avoid criminal charges, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal. Individuals charged with committing a hit and run can face fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. However, if great bodily harm resulted from the crash, the offender may face felony charges and up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The consequences of a hit and run can be life-altering, so securing strong legal representation is crucial.

Defending Against Hit and Run Charges in Waukesha County

The first step in defending yourself against hit and run charges is hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer will evaluate the circumstances of the alleged offense and get details about how and when the accident occurred. Evidence including traffic cameras, dash cameras, forensic evidence at the crash scene, and vehicle damage can help the attorney piece together what happened. Witness statements can also be useful evidence; however, eyewitness accounts are not always reliable. Your attorney will ensure that any evidence is obtained and preserved properly.

Next, the attorney will evaluate the prosecution’s case against you. He or she will identify inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims. To convict someone of hit and run, the prosecution must prove the charges “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Casting doubt on the defendant’s guilt may help the defendant avoid conviction.

Advocating for the Criminal Defendant in Court

Many people accused of a crime are unaware of their rights and options. An important part of a criminal defense lawyer’s job is to advise the defendant of his or her options and help him or her choose the best choice. In some cases, it makes sense to negotiate a plea deal. In other cases, it is better for the lawyer to argue the defendant’s innocence at trial.

If a case does go to trial, the attorney’s job is to present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue the client’s side of the story before the judge and jury. If the defendant is convicted, the lawyer can also represent the defendant during sentencing and advocate for alternatives to incarceration or a reduced sentence.

Contact a Waukesha County Criminal Defense Lawyer    

If you or a loved one were charged with a hit and run, contact a Milwaukee County criminal defense attorney from Bucher Law Group, LLC for help. Call us today at 262-303-4916 for a free, confidential initial assessment.

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/xi/70