What are the possible consequences of hit and run?
April 15, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Lukas Schlüter
Dear lawyer,
My name is Yvonne Krause and I urgently need your help. A few days ago, I was involved in a traffic accident in which I committed a hit-and-run out of fear of the consequences. Since then, I have felt very bad and am very worried about the possible legal consequences that I could face.
I am aware that hit-and-run is a serious offense and can be punished with severe penalties. However, in my panic, I did not think to stay at the scene of the accident and leave my personal information. Now I wonder what consequences I could face and how best to proceed to resolve the situation.
Therefore, I ask for your expert assessment: What penalties could I face if reported for hit-and-run? Are there ways to mitigate or even avoid the penalty? What steps should I take now to resolve the matter as best as possible and mitigate the consequences?
I am very concerned about my future and hope that you can help me with your legal advice. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Krause
Dear Ms. Krause,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of criminal law. I am sorry to hear that you were involved in a traffic accident and subsequently committed a hit-and-run. It is understandable that you are concerned about the legal consequences that may follow. I will therefore provide you with a detailed assessment of your situation.
Hit-and-run, also known as leaving the scene of an accident, is a criminal offense under § 142 of the German Criminal Code and can be punished with severe penalties. The punishment ranges from fines to imprisonment of up to three years. However, the exact punishment depends on various factors, such as the extent of the damage, whether people were injured, or whether it was intentional.
In your case, it is important that you contact a lawyer immediately to clarify your situation and protect your rights. An experienced attorney can help you develop the best defense strategy and assist you in assessing the potential consequences. It is also advisable to voluntarily report to the police and explain the incident before being reported by other parties.
There are ways to mitigate the punishment for hit-and-run, such as reporting to the police early, showing remorse, and taking care of the damage settlement. A lawyer can support you in this process and negotiate to obtain the most lenient punishment possible. It is important that you cooperate and work with the authorities to resolve the matter as effectively as possible.
Overall, I strongly advise you to contact a lawyer as soon as possible and discuss your situation. The sooner you act, the better you can respond to the potential consequences and protect your rights. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need legal assistance.
Sincerely,
Lukas Schlüter
Criminal Defense Attorney
