Zionsville DUI Leaving the Scene Attorney
Leaving the scene of an accident is always illegal, but charges become more serious and more complicated if you were also driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. If you have had charges filed against you for leaving the scene of a crash while driving intoxicated, or if you think charges may be filed soon, you should contact a Zionsville DUI leaving the scene lawyer to help you navigate your next steps.
The Criminal Defense Team for You
Serious charges call for serious legal representation, and at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., we have what it takes to defend you. At our firm, we employ five of Indiana’s six Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. This certification is earned through a rigorous written exam, experience representing clients in criminal trials, and recommendations from both judges and peers.
Another distinction at our firm is the fact that one of our attorneys is a former prosecutor, whose prosecuting career includes murder and other major felony cases. This gives us a unique vantage point during a criminal trial because we understand how prosecutors approach cases. Because we are familiar with how prosecutors think, we can often anticipate their next possible moves and be ready for them.
We also offer around-the-clock legal advice and assistance for our clients because we know that emergencies happen, and sometimes you need help right away. No matter the time of day or night, we are here for you.
DUI Leaving the Scene in Indiana
Driving under the influence (DUI) can refer to intoxication from either alcohol or drugs. No one should ever operate a vehicle while impaired, but unfortunately, people do it quite frequently, and it can have deadly consequences. In the United States, around 32 people die in alcohol-related crashes each day. The state of Indiana alone recorded 274 drunk driving fatalities on its roadways in 2022.
Each state has its own laws and penalties regarding DUI, but in almost all states, including Indiana, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold that constitutes intoxication is 0.08%.
A simple DUI charge is a Class C misdemeanor, unless the driver put someone else in danger in the course of their actions or had a BAC measured at 0.15% or higher, which is double the legal limit. In these cases, a simple DUI may become a Class A misdemeanor.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Indiana
If you are involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident, it is always a requirement to stay on the scene and address what happened with the other driver, the property owner if there is property damage, and the police, if applicable. At a minimum, you should talk to the other driver and exchange contact and insurance information. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in itself, and the consequences depend on the seriousness of the accident.
For example, if you leave the scene of an accident in which no one was hurt, that action constitutes a Class B misdemeanor. However, if you are driving while intoxicated and cause an accident that results in catastrophic injury or death to another person, leaving the scene of the accident becomes a Level 3 felony.
Hire a DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer
If you need to defend yourself against charges for leaving the scene of an accident that happened while you were intoxicated, the first step is to hire a DUI leaving the scene lawyer who has experience in DUI cases and can help you make sense of your legal position. A competent attorney can review your case, gather any evidence you may have, and keep track of where the prosecution is in the process of building the case against you.
FAQs
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer in Zionsville?
Whether you live in Zionsville, Westfield, or Indianapolis, the cost to hire a criminal defense attorney is highly variable. Lawyers set their own hourly rates and fee structures, so two lawyers in the same geographical area may be very differently priced. Most attorneys ask for an up-front fee called a retainer to begin working for you. Their actual working hours are then billed from the retainer as the case evolves.
Does Leaving the Scene of a DUI Accident Always Result in Serious Jail Time?
No. It is possible to avoid serious jail time even if you are convicted of leaving the scene of a DUI accident. If no one was injured in the crash, you might only be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for the DUI and a Class B misdemeanor for leaving the scene of the accident. In this situation, a judge might decide to impose probation rather than a significant jail sentence.
If I am Convicted of Two Offenses, Do the Sentences Run at the Same Time?
If you are convicted of two offenses, such as a DUI and leaving the scene of an accident, it is possible that any jail or probation sentence you receive can run concurrently, or at the same time. Whether the sentences run at the same time or one after the other depends on the judge’s discretion in your case.
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Both misdemeanors and felonies are criminal charges that can result in jail time, fines, and permanent marks on your criminal record. Misdemeanors are usually considered less serious than felonies. Misdemeanors are also distinct from felonies because they cannot be punished by more than one year in prison, whereas felonies specifically can carry sentences longer than one year.
Contact A Zionsville DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
You may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious if you are facing charges for leaving the scene of a DUI accident. These emotions are normal, and they make sense, but you should know that you do not have to face the challenges of the coming months on your own. At The Criminal Defense Team, we have Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists who are ready to defend you. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Disclaimer: *Andrew Baldwin, Kathie Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael C. Cunningham are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, as certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Find out why having a Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist as your defense lawyer is important here.