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How to Get A “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” Ticket Fixed

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

You can hire an attorney to get a Leaving the Scene of an Accident ticket reduced to a non-moving, no-point violation that won’t affect your driving record.

What Is “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident”?

“Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” or “Hit & Run” means the driver did the following:

  • Driver was involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or damage to property, and
  • Driver was aware of the accident, and
  • Driver left the scene without stopping to call police

Exchanging your insurance information with the victim and then leaving without calling the police can still be considered “Leaving the Scene of an Accident.”

In addition to the usual car crash, police also consider the following to be accidents:

  • Sideswiping an unoccupied parked car
  • Knocking over a neighbor’s mailbox
  • Tapping the bumper of a car in a parking lot

You can go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website for more information about what you are legally required to do when you are involved in an accident.

What To Do If You Leave The Scene Of An Accident?

If you are involved in an accident, Missouri law says you must stop and call the police to report it. However, it is common for people to panic and drive home after an accident, instead of stopping to call the police and making sure the victim is o.k.

Here’s what you can do if you get into an accident and leave the scene:

  • If you leave the scene of an accident, call the police as soon as possible and tell them what happened.
  • The police officer will ask you to come in to the police station and write out a statement describing what happened.
  • The police officer will give you a ticket for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident.”
  • After you receive the ticket, you can hire a lawyer to get the ticket reduced to a non-moving, no-point infraction such as “Illegal Parking” or “Littering.”

If you hire an attorney to represent you for your ticket, you won’t have to appear in court, but you will have to pay a fine and court costs. You will also have to provide proof that either you or your insurance company paid for the damages that you caused.

Will You Get Caught If You Leave The Scene and Don’t Report The Accident?

After leaving the scene of an accident, you could just do nothing and hope no one saw you. However, you should keep in mind that there are cameras everywhere– in parking lots and store fronts, and on the front porches of people’s homes. A witness to the accident may have taken a photo of your license plate with their phone and shared it with the police.

Police often track down the fleeing driver very soon after the accident. In some cases, police tow the driver’s vehicle to the impound lot for an “inventory search” (because it was involved in a crime), and the vehicle owner has to pay a high fee to get their car back.

If you turn yourself in to police, the most likely outcome is that they will give you a ticket for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident.” Then you can hire an attorney to get the ticket fixed. But if you flee the scene and someone reports you to police, it could be more expensive to resolve. Your behavior makes you look worse than if you had confessed, and the Prosecutor may be less willing to negotiate a favorable plea bargain in your case.

An accident is unintentional, but what you do afterward makes a difference in the outcome. It is better to admit what you did and get your ticket fixed than to end up with a conviction for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident.”

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 Missouri driving record forever if the ticket was issued by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer.

Penalty For Misdemeanor Leaving The Scene Of An Accident In Missouri

The maximum penalty for misdemeanor Leaving The Scene Of An Accident in Missouri can include some or all of the following:

  • 1 year in jail
  • $1,000 fine
  • 6 to 12 points added to your driving record
  • 1-year revocation of driver’s license

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

The number of points added to your Missouri driving record for a Hit & Run ticket depends on who issued your 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

If you accumulate too many points on your driving record, the State of Missouri will suspend or revoke your driver’s license.

  • Your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days if you accumulate 8 points within 18 months (for a first-time suspension)
  • Your driver’s license will be revoked for 1 year if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months

If you hire a traffic law attorney to get your Leaving The Scene Of An Accident ticket “fixed” (reduced to a non-moving, no-point violation), no points will be added to your driving record.

You can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue (Driver’s License Bureau) at (573) 751-4475 to find out how many points you currently have on your driving record.

Click here to read my previous post for more information about what happens if you plead guilty to Leaving The Scene of an Accident.

Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Can Result In Driver’s License Suspension

The State of Missouri can suspend your driver’s license if you are involved in an accident and you or your insurance company fails to pay for the damages that you caused.

In addition, 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.

How To Pay For The Damages When You Are Involved In An Accident

If your vehicle was insured at the time of the accident, your insurance company will pay for the victim’s damages.

If your vehicle was not insured when you were involved in the accident, it is your responsibility to pay for the damages. You will have to contact the victim’s insurance company and negotiate a payment agreement with them. The Missouri Department of Revenue (Driver’s License Bureau) has a sample Installment Agreement that you can use if you are dealing with the victim personally, rather than the victim’s insurance company.

You must obtain proof that the victim’s damages were paid for, or else your attorney won’t be able to get your ticket reduced to a non-moving violation.

An Attorney Can Get Your Leaving The Scene of An Accident Ticket Fixed

If you have been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident or Hit & Run, you can hire a traffic law attorney to represent you. An experienced attorney can get your ticket reduced from a 6-point or 12-point ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation that won’t affect your driving record.

In most case, you won’t have to appear in court if you hire an attorney to represent you. You will have to pay a fine and court costs, and you might also be required to do community service and/or attend driving school.

The outcome of your Leaving The Scene Of An Accident case depends on the answers to the following questions:

  • Did you confess to police, or did they have to track you down?
  • Which court is your case being prosecuted in?
  • How old are you?
  • How many other accidents have you had?
  • Was the victim physically injured?
  • How serious was the property damage?
  • Have the victim’s damages been paid for?

You can request a free consultation with a traffic ticket lawyer to discuss your case. They can give you a flat-fee price quote for how much they will charge to represent you. They should also be able to give you an estimate of the outcome of your case, including the amount of the fines and court costs you will have to pay to the court.

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For a free consultation about your Leaving The Scene Of An Accident ticket, contact St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 or [email protected]

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How To Get A “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” Ticket Reduced To A No-Point Violation

leaving the scene of an accident

“Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” is a serious traffic violation in Missouri. An experienced traffic law attorney can get it reduced from a 12-point violation to a 0-point infraction.

What Are The Chances You Will Get Caught Leaving The Scene Of An Accident?

In this day and age, security cameras are everywhere, so it’s very likely there will be video evidence showing you leaving the scene of an accident.

Also, any witnesses to the accident can easily take a photo of your license plate with their phone and share it with the police.

Police often track down the fleeing driver at their home or workplace fairly quickly after an accident. In some cases, police tow the driver’s vehicle to the impound lot for an “inventory search” (because it was involved in a crime), and the vehicle owner has to pay a high fine to get their car back.

What Does “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” Mean?

You have committed the offense of Leaving The Scene Of An Accident if:

  • You were involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or damage to property, and
  • You were aware of the accident, and
  • You left the scene without stopping to give your name, address, and license number to the driver of the vehicle you hit, or to a police officer

Click here for more information about what you are legally required to do when you are involved in an accident.

What Is The Punishment For Misdemeanor Leaving The Scene Of An Accident In Missouri

The maximum penalty for misdemeanor Leaving The Scene Of An Accident (or “Hit & Run”) in Missouri can include some or all of the following:

  • 1 year in jail
  • $1,000 fine
  • 6 to 12 points added to your driving record
  • 1-year revocation of driver’s license

A misdemeanor Leaving The Scene Of An Accident ticket issued by a state trooper is a 12-point ticket. If you plead guilty, 12 points will be added to your driving record, and your license will be revoked for 1 year. In addition, you won’t be eligible to get a Limited Driving Privilege (Hardship License) during the year that your license is revoked.

A misdemeanor Leaving The Scene Of An Accident ticket issued by a city or county police officer is a 6-point ticket.

What Is The Punishment For Felony Leaving The Scene Of An Accident In Missouri

The maximum penalty for felony Leaving The Scene Of An Accident is 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine if the accident resulted in:

  • Physical injury to another person, or
  • Property damage over $1,000, or
  • If defendant has a prior conviction for Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

What Happens If You Plead Guilty To Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

If you plead guilty to a ticket for Leaving The Scene Of An Accident, here’s what will happen:

  • You will have to appear in court to plead guilty
  • The judge will sentence you (this could include jail time)
  • 6 to 12 points will be added to your driving record (depending on whether it’s municipal or state court)
  • Your home state may revoke your driver’s license for 1 year
  • You may not be able to get a hardship license while your license is revoked

Click here to read my previous post for more information about what happens if you plead guilty to Leaving The Scene of an Accident.

How Many Points Will Be Added To Your Driving Record For Leaving the Scene of An Accident

The number of points added to your Missouri driving record for Leaving The Scene Of An Accident depends on whether your ticket was issued by a state trooper or a city/county police officer:

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

Most people want to get their traffic tickets reduced to non-moving violations so they can avoid accumulating points on their driving record. If you accumulate too many points, your license will be suspended or revoked.

  • Your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days if you accumulate 8 points within 18 months (for a first-time suspension)
  • Your driver’s license will be revoked for 1 year if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months

If you hire a traffic ticket lawyer to get your Leaving The Scene Of An Accident ticket reduced to a non-moving, no-point violation, no points will be added to your driving record.

How Long Does A Ticket For Leaving the Scene of an Accident Stay On Your Driving Record?

If you plead guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Accident, the conviction stays on your Missouri driving record forever if the ticket was issued by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer (as opposed to a city or county police officer).

What Happens If You Get A Ticket For Leaving The Scene Of An Accident And Your Car Is Not Insured

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 (or your insurance company) fails to pay for the damage you caused to the victim’s vehicle.

What Can An Attorney Do About A Ticket For Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

If you have been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, you will need an experienced traffic law attorney to represent you. Your attorney can get your ticket reduced from a 6-point or 12-point ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation that won’t affect your driving record.

It is very likely that you won’t have to appear in court if you hire an attorney to represent you. You will have to pay a fine and court costs, and you might also be required to do community service and/or attend driving school.

The outcome of your Leaving The Scene Of An Accident case depends on the answers to the following questions:

  • Did you turn yourself in to police, or did they have to track you down?
  • Which court is your case being prosecuted in?
  • How old are you?
  • Do you have a bad driving record?
  • Did you or your car insurance company pay for the damage you caused to the vehicle that you hit?

Most traffic ticket lawyers offer a free consultation and can give you a flat-fee price quote for how much they will charge to represent you. An experienced attorney can also give you an estimate of the outcome of your case, including the amount of the fines and court costs you will have to pay at the conclusion of your case.

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For a free consultation about your Leaving The Scene Of An Accident ticket, contact St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 or [email protected]

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What To Do If You Get Into A Car Accident And Get A Ticket

car accident

If you are involved in a car accident, stop and call the police, and don’t leave until the officer gives you permission to go. Then hire an attorney to get your ticket for “Following Too Close,” “Failure to Yield,” or “Reckless Driving,” reduced to a non-moving violation that won’t affect your driving record.

What To Do If You Get Into An Accident in Missouri

If you are involved in a car accident in Missouri, you are legally required to do the following:

  • Move your car to the side of the road to avoid being hit by oncoming cars
  • Call an ambulance if you think anyone has been injured
  • Call the police to report the accident
  • Turn on your car’s hazard lights, or use flares or a flashlight to warn oncoming traffic
  • Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, vehicle identification, and car insurance information
  • Don’t leave the scene of the accident until a police officer tells you it’s o.k. to leave, or else you could get a ticket for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident“

You can go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website or click here for more information about what to do if you are involved in an accident.

What To Do If You Get Into A Car Accident And Receive A Traffic Ticket

An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can help if you were in a car accident and you got a ticket for “Following Too Close,” “Careless & Imprudent Driving,” or “Leaving the Scene of an Accident.”

Your attorney can negotiate a plea bargain deal with the Prosecutor so you won’t have a moving violation conviction or points on your driving record.

The outcome of your case depends on your answers to the following questions:

  • Which court is your case being prosecuted in?
  • Have you ever been involved in an accident before?
  • How many moving violations/points do you have on your driving record?
  • How old are you?
  • Were you polite and cooperative with the police officer at the scene of the accident?
  • Were there any personal injuries resulting from the accident?
  • Was the vehicle you were driving insured?
  • Did you leave the scene of the accident before police arrived?

If you have an experienced attorney representing you for your ticket, it is very likely you won’t have to appear in court, your ticket will be reduced to a non-moving violation, and you will be given at least 30 days to pay the fine and court costs.

What To Do If You Get Into An Accident And Your Car Is Not Insured

Being in a car accident is bad enough, but it’s much worse if the vehicle you are driving is not insured. This often happens when someone borrows a car from a friend who fails to disclose that the car is not insured.

Regardless of the reason, if you get into an accident while driving an uninsured vehicle, the State of Missouri can suspend your driver’s license. If this happens, you will have to make arrangements with the other driver’s insurance company (or negotiate with the driver personally without involving the insurance company) to pay for the damage to their vehicle.

Once you have paid for the damages (or after making a few payments, if it’s an installment agreement), the attorney for the other driver’s insurance company will instruct the Missouri Department of Revenue to lift the suspension of your license.

FYI – Anyone who is involved in a car accident in which one of the vehicles was not insured should file a Missouri Motor Vehicle Accident Report.

How Many Points Are Added To Your Driving Record For A Ticket Resulting From A Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, it is very likely that you will receive a moving violation traffic ticket.

Following are some of the most common tickets issued when an accident is involved, and the number of points added to your driving record:

  • Failure to Yield – 2 to 3 points
  • Following Too Close – 2 to 3 points
  • C&I (Careless & Imprudent) Driving – 2 to 4 points
  • Reckless Driving – same as Careless & Imprudent Driving
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident (“Hit & Run”) – 6 to 12 points

In addition, if your case goes before a judge, they can assess more points because it was a moving violation that resulted in an accident.

What To Do If You Got A Ticket For “Leaving the Scene of an Accident”

If you plead guilty to “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” or “Hit & Run” in Missouri, 6 to 12 points will be added to your driving record (depending on whether your case is in municipal or state court), and your driver’s license could be revoked for 1 year.

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

An experienced attorney can usually get a ticket for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” reduced to a non-moving, no-point violation with no jail time or court appearance required.

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If you would like a free consultation about your Missouri traffic ticket, call St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 or email her at [email protected]

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“Hit & Run” – What To Do After Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

Driving Without Insurance

After leaving the scene of an accident, hire an experienced attorney to help you deal with the police and get your “Leaving The Scene” or “Hit & Run” ticket reduced from a 6-point or 12-point ticket to a no-point, non-moving violation, such as “Illegal Parking.”

How Long Will It Take Police To Find You After You Leave The Scene Of An Accident?

Security cameras are everywhere, in parking lots and on public streets, so it doesn’t take long for police to track down the driver after they leave the scene of an accident. It is not unusual for the police to be waiting for you when you get home following a “Hit & Run” incident.

You have committed the offense of “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” if:

  • You were involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or damage to property, and
  • You were aware of the accident, and
  • You left the scene without stopping to give your name, address, and license number to the driver of the vehicle you hit or to a police officer

Click here to read more about what to do if you are in an accident.

You May Have To Meet With A Police Detective About Your “Hit & Run” Ticket

In some situations, the police officer will come to your home and speak with you there, then give you a ticket for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident.” However, it is very likely that a police detective will contact you and ask you to come in to the precinct to meet with them and make a written statement about what happened.

If you had been drinking before you hit a parked car and drove away, you should not admit that to the police. If the accident happened several days ago, there is no way the police can prove you were driving drunk, so the worst they can do is give you a ticket for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident.”

You can hire an attorney to represent you when you meet with the detective. However, in most cases, the detective just asks you to make a statement about what happened and then gives you a ticket for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident.”

How Many Points Are Added To Your Driving Record For “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” in Missouri?

If your ticket for “Hit & Run” or “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” is being prosecuted in municipal court, 6 points will be added to your driving record if you plead guilty.

If your ticket was issued by a state trooper, that means it’s being prosecuted in state court and it’s a 12-point ticket. If you plead guilty, your driver’s license will be revoked for 1 year and you won’t be able to get a hardship license (Limited Driving Privilege). Also, a state court conviction for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” will stay on your driving record forever.

Your Driver’s License Can Be Suspended After Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

If your vehicle was not insured when you were involved in a “Hit & Run” accident, the State of Missouri can suspend your driver’s license.

Your license will not be reinstated until you show proof to the Missouri Department of Revenue that you have paid for the damages to the other party.

In addition, if you were driving someone else’s car that was not insured at the time of the accident, the State can suspend the driver’s licenses of both you and the owner of the vehicle.

Jail Time Is Possible If You Leave The Scene Of An Accident In Missouri

The maximum punishment for misdemeanor “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” is a fine of $1,000 and 1 year in jail.

The maximum possible penalty for felony “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” is a fine of $5,000 and 4 years in prison. Your “Leaving the Scene” ticket can be charged as a felony if the following happened:

  • Physical injury occurred,
  • Property damage amounting to more than $1,000 or
  • Defendant has a prior conviction for “Leaving the Scene”

An Attorney Can Get Your “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” Ticket Reduced To A Non-Moving Violation

It is very common for someone to panic and drive away after accidentally hitting someone’s car in a parking lot. At that point, the worst choice you can make is to avoid the police and not respond if a detective tries to contact you. If you refuse to respond, the police can come to your home or workplace and arrest you.

You can consult an experienced attorney before you meet with the police. Then, after the police give you a ticket for “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident,” your attorney can represent you in court.

In many cases, an attorney can get a ticket for “Leaving The Scene” reduced from a 6-point or 12-point ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation. You will have to pay a fine and court costs, but it is very likely that you won’t have to appear in court.

 

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For a free consultation about your ticket, call St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 or email Andrea at [email protected]

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Hit & Run Ticket Penalties in Missouri

Driving Without Insurance

The maximum punishment for a “Hit & Run Ticket” in Missouri is 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine plus 12 points added to your driving record.

“Hit & Run” is also known as “Leaving the Scene of an Accident.”

An attorney can get your Hit & Run ticket reduced from a 12-point ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation so your driver’s license won’t be revoked.

Punishment For A “Hit And Run” Ticket Or “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident” Ticket In Missouri

The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor Hit & Run ticket or Leaving the Scene of an Accident ticket in Missouri is:

  • 1 year in jail and
  • $1,000 fine

For a felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident or Hit & Run ticket, the maximum penalty is:

  • 4 years in prison and
  • $5,000 fine

Your Hit & Run ticket is a felony if:

  • The accident resulted in physical injury to someone, or
  • There was more than $1,000 worth of property damage, or
  • You have a prior conviction for Leaving the Scene of an Accident or Hit & Run on your record

Don’t Plead Guilty To “Hit & Run” or “Leaving The Scene Of An Accident”

If you plead guilty to a Hit & Run ticket, the following will happen:

  • You will have to appear in court and be sentenced by the judge
  • Points will be added to your driving record (6 points if it was a municipal violation/12 points if it was a state violation)
  • Your driver’s license could be revoked for up to 1 year
  • You may not be able to get a hardship license while your license is revoked

Click here to read my previous post for more information about what happens if you plead guilty to Hit & Run or Leaving The Scene of an Accident.

Your License Can Be Suspended Or Revoked For Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

The State of Missouri can suspend the driver’s licenses of both the driver and the vehicle owner if the driver pleads guilty to a Hit & Run ticket and the vehicle was not insured.

If you plead guilty to a Hit & Run ticket and the points that are added to your driving record as a result of your plea cause your point total to exceed the acceptable limit, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked. (If you accumulate 8 points within 18 months, your license will be suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license will be revoked for 1 year.)

What Are You Required To Do When You Get Into An Accident?

Missouri law requires you to do the following if you get into an accident:

  • Do not drive away
  • Stop your car in a safe place and call the police to report the accident
  • Call 911 if anyone involved in the accident is injured
  • Turn on your car’s hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic
  • Exchange information (name, address, vehicle identification, car insurance) with the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash
  • Don’t leave until a police officer gives you permission

The Missouri Department of Revenue website also has information about what to do if you get into an accident.

How Can An Attorney Help With Your “Hit & Run” Ticket?

If you have been charged with Hit & Run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident, you will need an experienced attorney representing you if you want to get your ticket reduced from a 6-point or 12-point ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation that won’t affect your driving record.

In most cases, the attorney will handle everything without the defendant being required to appear in court.

 

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If you need help with your Missouri “Hit & Run” ticket, contact St. Louis traffic law/criminal defense attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 or [email protected] for a free consultation.

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

leaving the scene of an accident

“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.

Call St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 for a free consultation and a price quote for your “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” or “Hit & Run” ticket. Or email Andrea at [email protected]

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Leaving Scene of an Accident (“Hit & Run”) Ticket

An experienced traffic law attorney can get a “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” or “Hit & Run” ticket reduced from a 6-point or 12-point ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation that won’t affect your driving record. The outcome depends on your driving history and the details of your case.

What’s the Maximum Penalty for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” in Missouri?

The maximum potential penalty is 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine if you plead guilty or are convicted of a misdemeanor charge of “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” (“Hit & Run”) in Missouri.

According to Missouri law RSMO 577.060, if you are charged with a felony “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” or “Hit & Run,” the maximum penalty is 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, if the accident resulted in:

  • Physical injury to another person, or
  • Property damage over $1,000, or
  • Defendant has a prior conviction for “Leaving the Scene”

How Many Points on Your Driving Record for a “Hit & Run” Ticket?

If your ticket for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” or “Hit & Run” was issued by a Missouri state trooper and you pleaded guilty or were convicted in state circuit court:

  • 12 points will be added to your driving record,
  • Your license will be revoked for 1 year, and
  • You will not be eligible for a hardship license (Limited Driving Privilege)

If you pleaded guilty or were convicted of “Leaving the Scene” or “Hit & Run” in municipal  court:

  • 6 points will be added to your driving record, and
  • You will be eligible to apply for a hardship license (Limited Driving Privilege)

License Suspension After “Leaving the Scene” Conviction

The State of Missouri can suspend the drivers licenses of both the driver and the owner of the vehicle if you plead guilty or are convicted of “Leaving the Scene” or “Hit & Run” and the vehicle you were driving was not insured at the time of the accident.

License Suspension if You Don’t Pay for Damages to Other Vehicle

Your license will be suspended if you leave the scene of an accident that you caused and you fail to pay for the damages to the other vehicle.

What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident in Missouri

If you hit another vehicle, Missouri law requires that you do the following:

    • Call the police immediately to report the accident.
    • Call an ambulance if anyone is injured.
    • Move your car to the side of the road if it’s in a place that might cause other drivers to crash into it.
    • If the accident happens at night, try to warn oncoming traffic by using flares, your car’s hazard lights, or a flashlight.
    • Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, vehicle identification, and car insurance information.
    • Don’t leave the scene of the accident until a police officer gives you permission to leave.

For more information about what to do when involved in an accident, consult the Missouri Dept. of Revenue website.

Call St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 for a free consultation and get a price quote for legal representation for your “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” or “Hit & Run” ticket. Or email Andrea at [email protected]

 

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Penalties For a “Hit & Run” Ticket in Missouri

Miranda Rights

“Leaving the Scene of an Accident” (“Hit & Run”) is a class A misdemeanor in Missouri, with a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and a fine of $1,000.

“Leaving the Scene of an Accident” can be considered a class D felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, if the accident resulted in:

    • Physical injury to another party, or
    • Property damage in excess of $1,000, or
    • The defendant has previously pleaded guilty or been convicted of a violation of this law.

Missouri’s “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” law is RSMo 577.060.

How Will a “Hit & Run” Ticket Affect Your Driving Record?

If a Missouri state trooper issues a ticket to you for leaving the scene of an accident, 12 points will be added to your driving record, which will cause your license to be revoked for 1 year, and you will not be eligible for a hardship license (limited driving privilege).

If a municipal or county police officer issues a ticket to you for leaving the scene of an accident, 6 points (instead of 12) will be added to your driving record, and your eligibility for a hardship license will not be affected.

Your License Can be Suspended Following a “Hit & Run” Ticket

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.

Your license will also be suspended if you leave the scene of an accident that you caused and you fail to pay for the damage to the other vehicle.

You Can Get Your “Hit & Run” Ticket Reduced to a Non-Moving, No-Point Violation

An experienced traffic law attorney can usually get a “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” ticket reduced to a non-moving, no-point violation. The outcome depends on your driving history, the details of your particular case, and the court in which it is being prosecuted.

You will have to provide proof that your insurance company is handling the claim, or that you paid for the damage to the other vehicle. If there was no damage to the other driver’s car, your lawyer will have to obtain an affidavit signed by the other driver stating that there was no damage to the vehicle.

What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident

As noted previously, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Missouri. If you are involved in an accident, you are required by law to do the following:

    • Call the police immediately to report the accident.
    • Call an ambulance if anyone is injured.
    • Move your car to the side of the road if it’s in a position that might cause other drivers to crash into it.
    • If the accident happens at night, try to warn oncoming traffic by using flares, your car’s hazard lights, or a flashlight.
    • Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, vehicle identification, and car insurance information.
    • Don’t leave the scene of the accident until a police officer gives you permission to leave.

For more information about what to do when involved in an accident, consult the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Call St. Louis traffic law attorney Andrea Storey Rogers at (314) 724-5059 to discuss your case and get a price quote for your “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” ticket. Or email Andrea at [email protected]