Ohio Hit and Run Lawyer

Skilled Ohio Hit and Run Lawyers

Our hit and run accident attorneys at Gounaris Abboud have been defending clients against hit and run charges for years. They have successfully defended numerous people against the state’s attempts to take their freedoms and punish them financially. With years of experience and a passion for our clients’ rights, our team markedly increases your chances of getting your charges reduced or even dropped.

If you have been charged with a hit and run anywhere in the state — including Montgomery County, Warren County, Butler County, Columbus, and Cincinnati — don’t hesitate to call (937) 915-6271 or reach out online, and our legal team will get back to you promptly. The sooner we start on your defense, the stronger your case will be.

Understanding Ohio’s Duty to Stop Laws

Ohio Rev. Code § 4549.02 requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of any accident they are involved in. Failure to do so puts drivers at a high risk of criminal and civil liability. If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident (also known as a hit and run), you need skilled representation to fight the charges and protect your freedoms and financial health.

In many cases, hit and run drivers flee accident scenes to avoid liability. However, this is not always the case. In some instances, people can leave the scene of an accident completely unaware that they have been in one. So when they are subsequently charged with hit and run, it is a complete surprise to them.

If you are aware of an accident, you indeed must stop. You are also required to provide various information to the other driver or police officer on the scene, such as:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your vehicle’s registration number
• The vehicle owner’s name and address if you are not the owner

However, if the other vehicle is unoccupied or unattended, you must leave a note containing the above-listed information in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.

Elements of Failure to Stop after an Accident in Ohio

The crime of failing to stop requires a prosecutor to prove various elements. If you have been charged with hit and run, our team will attack every element of the prosecutor’s case to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

The elements that the prosecutor must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt are:

• The defendant was driving or operating a motor vehicle while on a public highway or road in Ohio
• The defendant experienced an auto accident with another individual or someone’s property
• The defendant was aware of the accident when it occurred
• The defendant failed to immediately stop their vehicle after the accident
• The defendant failed to remain at the scene of the accident until providing contact information to any person injured in the crash; to the driver, passenger, attendant, or owner of the vehicle that was in the crash; or to any police officer who arrived on the scene
• The defendant failed to notify the police if the other driver or passenger involved in the accident was injured and was unable to receive the driver’s contact information
• If the owner/driver of the other vehicle was not present, the defendant failed to attach a note in a conspicuous place on the unoccupied vehicle

As you can see, the prosecutor must prove various elements to convict defendants in hit-and-run accidents. But remember that you can be charged with failure to stop regardless of whether you are at fault for the accident or collision.

The good news is that the evidence is often sufficient to convict a hit-and-run driver. Whatever the circumstances, you can count on Gounaris Abboud to vigorously defend your freedom against the charges you are facing.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Ohio

Prosecutors in Ohio take leaving the scene of an accident quite seriously. As such, the following criminal penalties for this charge can be grave.

Accident Severity	Penalties	Criminal Classification	Prison Time	Fine	License Suspension	Additional Consequences
No Injuries	Up to six months in county jail, a criminal fine of up to $500, and possible license suspension of up to three years.	–	Up to 6 months	Up to $500	Up to 3 years	–
Serious Injury	Fourth-degree felony, up to one year in prison, maximum fine of $2,500, license suspension of up to three years, possible compensation claim or lawsuit.	Fourth-degree felony	Up to 1 year	Up to $2,500	Up to 3 years	Possible compensation claim or lawsuit.

Potential Defenses for Hit and Run Charges

Just because you have been charged with failure to stop does not mean you are guilty. In fact, the prosecutor might be erroneously pursuing a criminal case against you. At Gounaris Abboud, we will review your case for error and identify any of the various potential defenses against your charges.

Let our team fight the charges for you. Call today for a free case review with an attorney who cares.

How Our Hit and Run Lawyer Can Help You

When you are facing a criminal charge of hit and run, you need a defense attorney who has the experience and skill to mount the strongest defense possible. At Gounaris Abboud, our track record demonstrates that we know how to take on the state and win important victories for our clients.

When you choose Gounaris Abboud to represent you, we handle all of the essential tasks necessary for your defense, including:

Remember that time is of the essence in criminal cases. The sooner we get started on your defense, the better. Contact us today to preserve your rights and freedom.

Investigating the Accident:

Our team of defense attorneys and investigators conduct a thorough investigation of the incident in question. They work diligently to find and preserve the exculpatory evidence you need to beat your case.

Aggressively Negotiating:

Based on the results of the investigation, our team will vigorously negotiate the most optimal outcome for your case, which may include a reduction in charges or even an outright dismissal of the case.

Fighting for You in Court:

In the event that you reject a plea deal, your case will head to court to be decided by a judge or a jury. When this occurs, you can expect nothing less than a robust defense from our team.

Why Choose Gounaris Abboud for Your Hit and Run Defense?

Our team aggressively fights for our clients. Choose Gounaris Abboud and get a firm with:

Over five decades of combined experience

Tailored care

Industry-recognized attorneys with awards from groups like Super Lawyers and Avvo

Effective advocacy

FAQs About Hit and
Run Offenses in Ohio

How many points is a hit skip in Ohio?+

In Ohio, a hit and run accident is also known as a “hit-skip.” If you commit a hit-skip in Ohio, you could be looking at six points on your driver’s license. If you commit another hit-skip or get six more points within two years, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will suspend your license for six months.

Can I face criminal charges if I left the scene of a minor accident?+

Yes. Leaving the scene of an automobile accident is a crime in Ohio. You could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

Will my insurance rates increase if I am charged with a hit and run?+

Yes. If you are charged and convicted of hit and run, your insurance rate and the premium will both likely increase dramatically to reflect a greater perceived risk of an accident.

Can I be sued by the other driver or victim in a hit and run case?+

Yes. If you are involved in a hit and run case, the other driver can sue you for significant damages, including lost wages and pain and suffering.

How Long do hit and run offenses stay on my driving record in Ohio?+

In most cases, a hit and run charge will stay on an offender’s driving record in the state of Ohio for two or three years. This is starting from the date the case was resolved with a conviction or guilty plea.