Can You Face Criminal Charges After a Car Accident?
Car accidents happen every day, and in most cases, they are minor incidents that are resolved by auto insurance companies. However, it is possible to face criminal charges after a car accident if someone has been injured, you were drinking and driving, the accident resulted in significant property damage. If you are facing criminal charges after getting in a car accident, you should not hesitate to call a criminal defense attorney in Tucson.
Janet Altschuler is an experienced DUI defense lawyer, and she has represented clients in all types of criminal cases involving motor vehicles. Continue reading for a closer look at vehicular criminal charges.
When Can You Be Charged After a Car Accident?
- DUI – Driving under the influence is one of the most common criminal charges seen on the road. In Arizona, a DUI conviction can significantly disrupt your life—minimum sentencing requires you to spend 24 hours in jail, a one year license suspension, and the installation of a breathalyzer interlock device in your vehicle. DUI charges may also affect your employment and your eligibility for certain housing opportunities. If you are driving under the influence and cause a collision, you will likely face more significant penalties, especially if the accident caused injuries or fatalities.
- Hit and Run – Some drivers will panic after a car accident and flee the scene out of fear. However, in the digital age, it is likely that someone will catch your license plate or vehicle on camera. Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage in Arizona is a class 2 misdemeanor. If the accident resulted in injuries, you will face felony charges. You can face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of an accident even if the accident was not your fault, so you should never drive away from the scene of an accident until you’ve exchanged information with other drivers involved and called the police.
- Aggressive/Reckless Driving – Aggressive or reckless driving involves risky behaviors like tailgating, speeding, cutting off traffic, passing on the shoulder, excessive honking, and weaving in and out of traffic. You may be pulled over for aggressive driving and issued a citation. If found guilty, aggressive driving is a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Driving on a Suspended License – If you have a track record of driving related criminal charges, you should not get behind the wheel. Driving on a suspended license is a class 1 misdemeanor on its own. If you were involved in a car accident while driving on a suspended license, you will face even more serious charges and likely be sentenced with jail time and significant fines.
- Aggravated Assault with a Vehicle – Aggravated assault with a vehicle is a serious crime in which a vehicle is used to intentionally or recklessly injure someone. If you were driving under the influence or driving recklessly, and you caused an accident resulting in serious bodily harm to another individual, you could be charged with aggravated assault with a vehicle, which is classified as a dangerous felony in Arizona.
Vehicular Offenses Are Serious Charges
It is a common misconception that vehicular crimes are not that serious and will only result in a small fine or a bump in your auto insurance rates. However, these crimes are serious charges, some of which are classified as felonies. Any type of criminal conviction can have a lasting impact on your life.
You Need a Criminal Lawyer If You’re Accused of a Vehicular Crime
If you are questioned about or arrested for any type of vehicular crime, you should not wait to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and explore all possible defenses for your case.
Janet Altschuler is an experienced criminal defense attorney Tucson has trusted with DUI cases and other motor vehicle charges for more than 20 years. Ms. Altschuler has worked as a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer in Pima County, so she brings an in-depth understanding of the justice system to every case she works on. Do not leave your future to chance with a public defender or by attempting to represent yourself in court. Contact Janet Altschuler today for a consultation. Call 520-247-1789 anytime, 24/7 to get the representation you need.