If you face hit and run charges in Savannah, Georgia, you may need immediate legal representation. Hit and run is a serious criminal offense that can carry significant penalties, including potential jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. The decisions you make right now can affect your future. The Cornwell Firm has defended clients facing hit and run charges for over 20 years. The firm understands Georgia law and works to protect clients’ rights during this critical time.
Why Choose The Cornwell Firm for Your Hit and Run Defense
When you face criminal charges, it is important to have an attorney who understands both the law and your situation. The Cornwell Firm brings 20 years of experience defending people in Savannah who face serious traffic and criminal charges. The firm has been in business since 2003, serving families and individuals throughout the Savannah area.
Our attorneys are available to help when you need representation. We operate on a simple principle: we do not collect attorney’s fees unless we obtain a result in your case, although you may remain responsible for certain costs and expenses. This means we are invested in working toward a favorable outcome. We offer free case evaluations so you can understand your options without financial pressure.
Our team is locally and family-owned, which means we are familiar with the Savannah community and the local court system. We speak Spanish, and we can make emergency room visits available to our clients when appropriate. When you choose The Cornwell Firm, you choose attorneys who will advocate for you.
Understanding Hit and Run Charges in Georgia
Hit and run is a serious offense under Georgia law. When you are involved in a vehicle accident, the law generally requires you to stop and provide specific information. Understanding what the law requires helps explain why these charges carry such weight.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run
Georgia law defines hit and run as leaving the scene of an accident without providing your name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license to the other party. If the accident causes injury or property damage, you must also render aid to injured persons, and you may need to contact emergency services.
Many people do not realize they have committed a hit and run because they did not fully understand their legal obligations at the scene. The law applies whether you caused the accident or not. The key factor is whether you left the scene without providing the required information.
Some people leave because they panic. Others leave because they do not realize they hit something. Regardless of the reason, the law treats leaving the scene as a serious matter.
Penalties and Consequences
Georgia law imposes different penalties depending on the severity of the accident. For a first offense with no injuries, you may face fines and/or up to 12 months in jail, or both, along with license suspension. Statutes and sentencing practices can change, so it is important to review current law with counsel.
If the accident causes serious injury or death, the potential penalties increase. You may face a prison sentence measured in years. A conviction for hit and run resulting in death can have long-term consequences. Repeat offenses can carry escalating penalties, including higher fines and longer license suspensions.
Beyond criminal penalties, a hit and run conviction can damage your driving record, increase your insurance rates, and create a permanent criminal record. This record may affect employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.
How The Cornwell Firm Defends Hit and Run Cases
Every case is different, and each client benefits from a defense strategy tailored to their specific situation. Our attorneys begin by investigating the facts thoroughly. We review police reports, accident scene evidence, witness statements, and any available video footage. We examine whether police followed proper procedures during the investigation and arrest.
We work to protect your constitutional rights throughout the process. You have the right to remain silent, and you may wish to exercise that right. We handle communication with prosecutors and police on your behalf. We challenge evidence that was obtained improperly and negotiate with prosecutors to explore options that may reduce charges or penalties where appropriate.
If your case goes to trial, we prepare thoroughly. We cross-examine witnesses and test the prosecution’s evidence. We present a defense grounded in the facts of your case. We explain to the judge or jury the circumstances that led to your actions and present arguments for a fair outcome.
Your Rights When Facing Hit and Run Charges
You have constitutional rights that protect you during criminal proceedings. Understanding these rights helps you make informed decisions about your case. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions from the police, and anything you say can be used against you in court.
You have the right to legal representation. An attorney protects your interests and helps ensure that police and prosecutors follow the law. You also have the right to challenge evidence against you. If police obtained evidence improperly, we can file motions asking the court to exclude that evidence from trial.
Many people make the mistake of speaking to the police without an attorney present. Police are trained to ask questions in ways that may lead you to incriminate yourself. Once you invoke your right to an attorney, police must stop questioning you. The Cornwell Firm works to protect these rights.
Factors Judges Consider in Hit and Run Cases
When judges sentence people convicted of hit and run, they consider several factors. The severity of the accident matters. An incident involving minor property damage is treated differently than an accident causing serious injury or death.
Your criminal history affects sentencing. A first offense typically results in different penalties than a repeat offense. Judges may consider whether you cooperated with police, whether you have stable employment, and whether you have family ties to the community.
Your age and overall character can be relevant. Some judges consider whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. We present evidence and arguments that highlight factors supporting a lighter sentence where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m under investigation for a hit and run?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Avoid speaking to police without an attorney present, and do not post about the accident on social media. Gather any evidence you have, such as dashcam footage or witness contact information.
Write down everything you remember about the accident while it is fresh in your mind. Then call 912-349-7028 for a free consultation.
Can hit and run charges be dismissed?
In some cases, charges can be dismissed. If police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, we can file motions to suppress evidence. If the prosecution cannot prove you committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, we can seek dismissal of the charges. We evaluate every case for potential dismissal options.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony hit and run?
Generally, a misdemeanor hit and run involves an accident with no injuries or minor property damage, while a felony hit and run involves serious injury or death. Felony charges carry harsher potential penalties, often including prison time measured in years rather than months. The precise distinctions depend on Georgia law.
How does a hit and run conviction affect my driving record?
A hit and run conviction can result in license suspension and points on your driving record. The suspension period may depend on whether it is a first or repeat offense. Your insurance rates are likely to increase, and some insurance companies may be reluctant to insure you after a hit and run conviction.
What if I didn’t know I hit someone?
If you genuinely did not know you hit someone, that may be a factor in your defense. However, you must present evidence supporting this claim. We investigate the accident scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to assess whether a reasonable person would have known about the collision. This can be a challenging defense, but it may be viable in some situations.
Can I negotiate a plea deal in a hit and run case?
Many hit and run cases are resolved through plea negotiations. We work with prosecutors to explore options that may reduce charges or penalties. A plea deal might involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a recommended lighter sentence or avoiding trial. We explain all options and help you decide what approach is best for your situation.
Contact The Cornwell Firm for Your Free Consultation
Hit and run charges call for prompt attention. Each day that passes brings your case closer to key deadlines and court dates. The Cornwell Firm offers free case evaluations with no obligation. The firm is available 24/7 because legal issues often arise outside traditional business hours.
Call 912-349-7028 today to speak with an attorney familiar with hit and run defense in Savannah, Georgia. We will listen to your situation, explain your options, and discuss how we may be able to help.
