Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Being involved in a traffic accident is stressful enough, but leaving the scene without fulfilling your legal obligations can transform a simple accident into serious criminal charges.
In Texas, these “hit and run” or “leaving the scene of an accident” offenses carry significant penalties that can impact your freedom, finances, and future.
If you’re facing such charges, consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and developing an effective defense strategy.
Call us now at (972) 528-0478 for immediate assistance with your case.
Many people face hit and run charges in situations where they may not have realized they were breaking the law:
Understanding when and how these charges apply can help you avoid making a difficult situation worse.
Texas Transportation Code has specific requirements for drivers involved in accidents. These requirements vary depending on whether the accident involves:
Under §550.021 of the Texas Transportation Code, if you’re involved in an accident resulting in death or personal injury, you must:
Failing to comply with these requirements in an accident involving death or injury is one of the most serious traffic offenses in Texas.
Section §550.022 requires drivers involved in accidents causing property damage to:
If you hit a parked car under §550.024, you must:
For accidents involving damage to highway fixtures or landscaping (§550.025), you must:
Under §550.023 of the Texas Transportation Code, drivers involved in accidents must provide:
| Information Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal identification | Full legal name and current address |
| Vehicle information | Registration number (license plate) |
| Insurance details | Name of insurance company and policy information |
| Driver’s license | Show proof of license if available |
| Assistance | Render reasonable assistance to injured persons |
Failure to provide this information can result in separate charges, even if you initially stopped at the scene.
The severity of penalties depends on the consequences of the accident:
| Accident Result | Offense Level | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Death or serious bodily injury | Third-degree felony | 2-10 years in prison and/or fine up to $10,000 |
| Any injury | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison or up to 1 year in county jail and/or fine up to $5,000 |
| Damage Amount | Offense Level | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $200 | Class C misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 |
| $200 or more | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail and/or fine up to $2,000 |
| Damage Amount | Offense Level | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $200 | Class C misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 |
| $200 or more | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail and/or fine up to $2,000 |
The ramifications of a hit and run conviction extend beyond immediate criminal penalties:
A hit and run conviction can lead to:
These convictions can also affect:
The Texas Driver Responsibility Program assigns points for moving violations:
Accumulating six or more points within three years triggers:
This program creates a financial burden that continues long after any court-imposed penalties are satisfied.
Several legal defenses may apply to hit and run charges:
You can’t be convicted if you genuinely didn’t know:
The prosecution must prove you were driving the vehicle. Defenses include:
In rare cases, leaving the scene may be justified due to:
Technical defenses may include:
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we have extensive experience defending clients against hit and run charges across Texas. Our firm has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases since 2002, with many resulting in dismissals, charge reductions, or not guilty verdicts.
We approach each hit and run case with thoroughness and attention to detail, examining all evidence including:
While each case is unique and results depend on specific circumstances, our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
If you’ve been charged with leaving the scene of an accident:
Don’t wait to get legal help. Call our office at (972) 528-0478 for a confidential consultation about your case.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand how frightening these charges can be.
Our firm has protected the futures of men, women, and youths charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and DWI in Texas since 2002.
Whether you’re in Dallas County, Tarrant County, or anywhere in the DFW Metroplex, a criminal defense lawyer from our firm will work tirelessly to:
Don’t let hit and run charges derail your life. Our team understands the prosecution’s techniques and will leverage all available defenses to fight for the best outcome in your case. Contact us today at (972) 528-0478 for a consultation about your case.
Yes. Your obligation to stop and provide information applies regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Returning to the scene may mitigate the severity of the offense but doesn’t eliminate it. The law requires immediate stopping and remaining at the scene until all requirements are fulfilled.
This can be a valid defense if credible. However, the standard is whether a reasonable person would have been aware of the collision.
No. Even if you later compensate the other party for damages, the criminal offense of leaving the scene has already occurred and can still be prosecuted.
The statute of limitations for misdemeanor hit and run is generally two years, while felony charges typically have a three-year limitation period.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
