"The Joslyn Law Firm is highly experienced and nationally recognized for their Criminal and DUI Defense. Brian Joslyn is an Award-Winning Criminal and DUI Defense attorney who, along with his team, has handled hundreds of cases and has helped their clients obtain the best results possible."

Hit and Skip / Hit and Run

A hit and skip offense, also known as "hit and run" or "leaving the scene of an accident", is treated very seriously by Ohio law enforcement – especially if suspicion of OVI is involved. Often, no matter the actual circumstances of the accident, the police perceive fleeing the scene as an admission of guilt.

A defense attorney can prove invaluable towards defending your rights during the initial investigation, and even fight for a favorable outcome such as case dismissal or not guilty trial verdicts.

Ohio Hit and Run DUI Attorney

Our team of dedicated lawyers at Joslyn Law Firm are passionate about defending the rights of individuals charged with serious traffic offenses in Central Ohio. This includes the counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Greene, Butler, Franklin, Clinton and nearby areas.

With experience in complex OVI investigations and a keen understanding of the science behind BAC (blood alcohol content) level testing, they will confidently defend your rights at every avenue. However, it's in your best interests to understand your legal options early and retain an attorney to help safeguard your rights from the very beginning.

Your first consultation will be one on one with a DUI lawyer in Hamilton County, so call (614) 444-1900 today to see what Joslyn Law Firm can do to protect your freedom.

How Hit and Skip Accidents are Addressed by Ohio Criminal Law

• Stop Requirement After an Accident in Hamilton County
• Charges Related to OH Hit and Skip Crimes
• Criminal Penalties for Failure to Stop After an Accident in Ohio
• Finding An Attorney for Hit and Run Charges Related to Drunk or Drugged Driving

Stop Requirement After a Car Accident in Hamilton County

In Ohio, any operator of a motor vehicle on public highways who strikes another vehicle or causes damage to private property is required to immediately stop and stay at the scene until they have given the following information to an appropriate person at the scene:

• The driver's name
• The driver's address
• The vehicle's registration number
• The name and address of the vehicle owner if not driving

An appropriate person is either the driver of the other vehicle or the owner of the damaged property. If the affected individual is unable to record the necessary information, the driver must call the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene.

If the property or vehicle is unoccupied, the driver must leave the information securely attached to a highly visible portion of the other vehicle or property. Failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in a charge for leaving the scene of an accident. If you test positive for OVI the charges and penalties could be even heavier.

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Charges Related to OH Hit and Skip Crimes

In addition to the traditional hit and run on public roads or highways defined above, there are two other incidents that could result in a hit and run charge in Cincinnati if not handled correctly. These include the following:

Failure to Stop After an Accident on Other than Public Roads or Highways

• First degree misdemeanor, fifth degree felony, or third degree felony, depending on the damage
• Class 5 driver's license suspension of 6 months – 3 years
• Avoid by immediately giving required information to other party or to a police officer within 24 hours of incident if other party can't be reached

Failure to Stop After Accident Causing Damage to Realty or Personal Property

• First degree misdemeanor
• Can be avoided by notifying and submitting required information to property owner, or within 24 hours to a police officer if the owner can't be located.

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Criminal Penalties for Failure to Stop After an Accident in Ohio

Depending on the seriousness of your auto accident and whether there was the presence of drugs or alcohol, you could be facing a first degree misdemeanor or a felony of the fifth, third, second, or first degree.

Penalties for these offenses are defined in ORC §4549.02 and include:

First Degree Misdemeanor

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 fine
• 6 month – 3 year Class 5 license suspension
• Occurs with conviction of simple hit and run on public roads and highways

Fifth Degree Felony

• 6 months – 1 year of jail
• Up to $2,500 fine
• 6 month – 3 year Class 5 license suspension
• Occurs with conviction of hit and skip with serious injury

Third Degree Felony

• 1-5 years of prison time
• Up to $10,000 fine
• 6 month – 3 year Class 5 license suspension
• Occurs with conviction of fleeing the scene of an accident with death

If you are found with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or over, or if you are found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and caused bodily harm or death to another person, you are facing one or more counts of vehicular assault or homicide. These are first, second, or third degree felonies depending on the severity of the case.

Please remember that an arrest for any alleged crime does not mean you will be convicted automatically. The assistance of an experienced defense lawyer can make all of the difference in keeping your name clear and your driving privileges intact.

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Finding An Attorney for Hit and Run Charges Related to Drunk or Drugged Driving

Your freedom is our top priority here at Joslyn Law Firm. Every DUI defense lawyer at our firm understands this and further places a heavy emphasis on keeping you informed of all of your legal options. If you have been charged with a hit and skip offense in Central Ohio, we will examine your case closely and construct a defense based on the unique details surrounding your case.

Call (513) 399-6289 or use our convenient online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation today.