Atlantic City Lawyer Defends Against with Hit and Run Charges in Atlantic and Cape May Counties
The phrase “hit and run” has an ominous ring to it, but the reality is that many people charged with hit and run leave the scene completely unaware of the physical injury or property damage they caused. Also known as “leaving the scene of an accident,” these charges can be extremely serious in New Jersey. In addition to fines and jail time, you may lose your driving privileges for an extended period.
If you’ve been charged with hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident or failure to report an accident, you should call a skilled criminal defense lawyer right away. In these cases, it’s important to make sure the criminal defense lawyer you choose has experience specifically with hit and run cases. There are significant “grey areas” in hit and run cases, and only a knowledgeable lawyer will know how to use them to your advantage.
John W. Tumelty has been representing NJ clients for over 35 years. He has successfully defended many hit and run charges for clients across Southern NJ, including Margate, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Little Egg Harbor, Ventnor and Longport. In addition, his experience as a former prosecutor allows him to look at the case from every angle. He knows how the prosecution handles these cases, and he uses this knowledge to help position clients in the best possible light.
Attorney Provides Legal Help for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charges throughout South Jersey
In New Jersey, if you are involved in an accident that injures or kills another person or damages another’s property, you must stop your vehicle and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. That’s the law. Neglecting to do so can result in hit and run charges.
The penalties you may face if charged with hit and run depend on the circumstances of the actual accident. Factors that impact penalties include: speeding, DUI and/or reckless driving as well as on any injuries and/or property damage that occurred as a result of the accident.
Additionally, at the Law Office of John W. Tumelty, we understand that there are many factors that may have caused you to flee the scene of an accident. Perhaps you didn’t know you caused injury or damage, but you drove off because you were concerned about driving while intoxicated, driving without insurance, driving on a suspended license, having drugs in the car or even because the vehicle you were driving was stolen.
If the accident seriously injured or killed someone, you may face:
- A maximum of 180 days in jail
- A driver’s license suspension of one year
- Fines of up to $5,000
If only vehicle damage occurred in the accident, you may face:
- A maximum of 30 days in jail
- A driver’s license suspension of one year
- Fines of up to $400
In addition to the circumstances of the accident itself, prior history also comes into play when determining penalties for a hit and run accident. If you have a previous hit and run accident on your record, or any other criminal offense, the above penalties may be elevated.
Criminal Defense Lawyer John Tumelty Has Many Defense Strategies He Can Use in Your Case
If you’ve been charged with hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident in Atlantic or Cape May counties, there are possible defenses to your case.
- If you were unaware that your accident caused injury or property damage, you may not have known to stick around until law enforcement arrived.
- If you were in an emergency situation (such as headed to the hospital) you may have believed that situation was more urgent than the potential damage you caused.
- Another possible defense to hit and run accidents is involuntary intoxication. This does not mean you can claim accidental drunkenness. However, if you accidentally took the wrong medication and it impaired your judgment, this could be a viable defense.
You can rely on Mr. Tumelty’s experience and knowledge of hit and run laws in NJ; he will provide you with the best chance of getting your charges downgraded or even dismissed. Call today for a free consultation about your charges.
If You’ve Been Charged with a Hit and Run or Fleeing the Scene of an Accident, Call Us Today
John W. Tumelty has years of experience handling all kinds of criminal cases, including those involving hit and run accidents. He understands the intricacies of these cases and can help you obtain the best possible outcome for your unique situation. Mr. Tumelty has been serving clients in Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, Cape May, Wildwood and across New Jersey for more than 35 years. He handles all types of criminal cases, from traffic violations to homicide. Call today for a free consultation in one of his three conveniently located offices in Atlantic City, Marmora or Somer’s Point.
