How to Fight a “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” Ticket

“Leaving the Scene of an Accident” is not the kind of ticket you want on your driving record. An experienced traffic law attorney can get this type of ticket reduced from a 6- or 12-point ticket to a no-point, non-moving violation, such as “Illegal Parking.”

The outcome of your case depends on your driving record, the police report, and your attorney’s skill in negotiating a favorable plea bargain deal with the prosecuting attorney.

What Is the Penalty For “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” in Missouri?

The maximum punishment for a class A misdemeanor “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” (sometimes called “Hit & Run”) charge is 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

“Leaving the Scene of an Accident” is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, if the following occurred:

• Physical injury to another party, or
• Property damage in excess of $1,000, or
• The defendant previously pleaded guilty or was convicted of this same offense

The applicable Missouri statute for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” is RSMo 577.060.

How Many Points Are Added To Your Driving Record For “Leaving the Scene of an Accident”?

The number of points added to your driving record for a “Hit & Run” or “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” conviction in Missouri depends on who issued the ticket:

• 12 points if a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer issued the ticket
• 6 points if a municipal or county police officer issued the ticket

Your driver’s license will be revoked for 1 year if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months.

If your attorney gets your ticket reduced to a non-moving, no-point violation, that means no points will be added and your driving record won’t be affected.

How Long Does a Conviction For “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” Stay On Your Driving Record?

A conviction for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” stays on your driving record forever if the ticket was issued by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer.

Missouri Can Suspend Your License If You Are Convicted of “Leaving the Scene of an Accident”

The State of Missouri can suspend the licenses of both the driver and the owner of the vehicle if you leave the scene of an accident and your vehicle was not insured at the time of the accident.

In addition, the State of Missouri can suspend your driver’s license if you leave the scene of an accident that you caused and you (or your insurance company) fails to pay for the damage to the other vehicle.

A Conviction For “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” May Affect Your Ability to Get a Hardship License

Your ability to get a hardship license (limited driving privilege) depends on who issued the ticket.

If you plead guilty or are convicted of a “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” ticket that was issued by a municipal or county police officer, you will be eligible for a hardship license.

If you plead guilty or are convicted of a “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” ticket that was issued by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer, you will not be eligible for a hardship license.