If you are facing hit and run charges, there is a lot at stake. In the state of Georgia, potential penalties for leaving the scene of an accident include points against your driver’s license, probation, jail time, fines, and higher insurance premiums.

Fortunately for those facing charges, a conviction is not necessarily imminent. An experienced defense attorney from the Walker Firm in Warner Robins, GA, can assess the circumstances of your case and help you devise a strategic defense.

3 Possible Defenses to Hit and Run Charges From a Seasoned Defense Attorney

1. Mistaken Identity

Even if police determined that your vehicle was involved in the collision, that does not necessarily mean you were, too. For example, if someone stole your vehicle or a friend was borrowing it when the accident occurred, your defense attorney may advise you to argue mistaken identity. 

2. Minimal Property Damage

If your vehicle was the only one that sustained property damage, you may be able to build a defense around this fact. You may also be able to argue this defense if the other car involved sustained less than $500 in damages.

3. Lack of Liability

If the prosecutor has substantial evidence that you were at the scene and that the accident resulted in more than $500 in damages, you may not be able to fight charges of fleeing the scene. However, if you can prove that the accident was not your fault, you could avoid additional charges of DUI or reckless endangerment; these typically accompany hit and run charges when police believe inebriation was a factor.

If you are facing hit and run charges in Georgia, and you’re concerned about the potential penalties, contact a defense attorney at the Walker Firm to determine the best way to proceed. You can learn more about the criminal law charges they help clients fight by visiting their website. To schedule an initial consultation and start building your defense, call (478) 923-4152.