Leaving the Scene
Some people decide to attempt to drive home after a night of drinking, sometimes sober, sometimes not. Deciding to drive while drunk may just be the first of a string of bad decisions that someone can make. Alcohol slows reaction time and hinders one’s ability to make good judgments, which makes a person a danger behind the wheel.
A person’s inability to react quickly may cause an accident, and under the influence of alcohol and shock, he or she may think that the best option is to flee the scene. On the contrary, fleeing the scene can result in much more severe consequences than those from the accident and DUI arrest.
Penalties for DUI/Leaving the Scene:
Fleeing the scene of an accident in which there are injuries can lead to heavy penalties if you are convicted. A leaving the scene charge complicates a case and adds more charges to an already serious DUI charge. If you are convicted you will face the following court ordered penalties:
- Heavy fines: no less than $1,000 and up to $10,000, depending on the extent of injury
- Prison sentence: 1-15 years
- License suspension: 1 year to permanent suspension
- Community Service
- DUI educational course
In addition to these court ordered penalties, you may face additional fines through the DMV and will have a public criminal record, which could severely hinder your personal and professional future opportunities.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
A leaving the scene charge is, by itself, an extremely serious charge that could have severe short-term and long-term effects on your life. If you have been charged with DUI/Leaving the Scene, consider contacting a DUI defense lawyer immediately. A lawyer with expertise in Rhode Island DUI law will review the details of your case to look for evidence that the leaving the scene charge was inappropriate. He or she can organize evidence to help prepare your defense and protect you from an overzealous prosecution.
Contact Us
Don’t enter the courtroom feeling unprepared to defend against the charges you face. For sound legal advice and assistance with your DUI/Leaving the scene case, please contact aggressive, experienced Rhode Island DUI lawyer Matthew Marin today at 401-287-4384.
