DC Hit and Run Lawyer

Hit and Run Charges

Penalties for a conviction of either crime could also include jail time, fines, and loss of license. In many cases, however, judges will typically impose a sentence of unsupervised probation. Judges typically impose this sentence in cases where the defendant has a limited or no criminal record, restitution has been or will be paid, and any injury is not of a serious nature. Because the DMV operates independently from the court system, license suspension is guaranteed upon conviction if the Court notifies the DMV of the conviction.

As with any misdemeanor case in the District of Columbia, the first court appearance is an arraignment. At the arraignment, the prosecutor will provide discovery and the judge will impose release conditions. If the defendant already has a criminal defense attorney, then that attorney will plead guilty on the defendant’s behalf and assert the defendant’s constitutional rights.

After the arraignment, the parties will appear for a status hearing where the defendant will usually either enter into a deal with the government or set the case for trial. Neither leaving after colliding personal injury or property damage are jury demandable offenses in DC. That means a judge will decide the question of guilt or innocence in a bench trial.

MPD Hit and Run Unit Letter

Sometimes folks just panic and take off, which, while not innocent, is certainly a human reaction to an emergency situation. When this happens, for whatever reason, the Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) typically contacts the owner of the vehicle who left the scene.

The MPD letter usually uses official-sounding language and threatens the recipient with a warrant if they do not appear at the police station and confess. What the police do not tell you is that every single person in this country has an absolute right against self-incrimination. No one has an obligation to walk into a police station without a lawyer and confess to a crime. They prey on folks’ lack of knowledge about their rights to make the investigation easier. Oftentimes, MPD does not have enough evidence to get a warrant. When someone walks into the police station thinking it’s the right thing to do and confess, the police, now possessing a confession, will go out and get an arrest warrant anyway.

If you or someone you know receives a letter from the MPD Hit and Run Unit demanding you report to the police station and incriminate yourself, you absolutely should contact a DC hit and run attorney. That phone call could make the difference between being arrested and charged and having the investigation closed or suspended without arrest. For additional information, check out our blog posting on DC hit and run FAQ’s.

LAC crimes in DC can carry significant consequences. If you are contacted by MPD’s Hit and Run Investigation Unit with a letter demanding you appear at the police station, contact Scrofano Law PC for a full consultation and case evaluation. We have successfully defended individuals under investigation and those facing criminal charges in DC Superior Court.