Hit-and-Run Laws | A.R.S. § 28-661

In Arizona, a hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense where a driver involved in a car accident leaves the scene without stopping and fulfilling his or her requirements under the law. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 28-661, a hit-and-run can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony based on the severity of the injuries caused by the collision.

What Are a Driver’s Responsibilities Under A.R.S. § 28-661?

If a motor vehicle accident involving any kind of property damage or bodily injury takes place in Arizona, all drivers involved are legally required to stop immediately at the scene of the crash to render aid and exchange information. This includes accidents involving unattended, parked vehicles. 

According to A.R.S. § 28-661, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident must:

• Immediately stop the vehicle at the scene or as close to the scene as possible.
• Remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled his or her legal responsibilities under A.R.S. §28-663(duty to give information and assistance).

A driver’s duties include giving his or her name and address to the other driver, providing the vehicle registration number, exhibiting a driver’s license (upon request), and rendering reasonable assistance to those injured.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Arizona 

Fleeing the scene of a car accident without stopping, assisting those injured and exchanging information is a crime in Arizona. A hit-and-run criminal conviction can come with various penalties depending on the level of injury and damage caused by the car accident:

An accident causing serious physical injury or death is a Class 3 felony, unless the hit-and-run driver caused the crash, in which case it is upgraded to a Class 2 felony. The consequences for a conviction can include driver’s license revocation, jail time and fines.

A hit-and-run involving non-serious physical injuries is a Class 5 felony in Arizona, which comes with a three-year driver’s license revocation. If the accident did not cause death or physical injury, it’s a misdemeanor offense.

Hit-and-run cases commonly involve secondary charges for related offenses, as well, such as criminal speeding, driving under the influence and disorderly conduct. This can increase the consequences and penalties against the defendant.

Defending Hit-and-Run Charges in Arizona

Various criminal defense options may be available to help you fight hit-and-run charges in Arizona. With help from the right attorney, you may be able to prove that you were not the driver of the vehicle that fled the scene, you had no knowledge that you were involved in or caused an accident, or that you had an emergency that prevented you from fulfilling your driver responsibilities.

A lawyer will craft a creative legal strategy that gives you the strongest defense possible, protecting you from the most serious penalties associated with your charges. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal to avoid jail time, for example, or reduce your charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. With a lawyer by your side, you can have peace of mind that your case will end with the best possible outcome.

To discuss possible defense representation for a specific hit-and-run case in Arizona, contact Corso Law Group for a free consultation.