Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Illinois
Leaving the scene of an accident - commonly called hit and run - is a serious criminal offense in Illinois. Depending on the circumstances, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with penalties including prison time and license revocation. At Stavros Law Offices, we defend drivers facing these charges and fight to protect your freedom and driving privileges.
Illinois Hit and Run Laws
Illinois law requires drivers involved in accidents to:
- Stop at the scene (or as close as safely possible)
- Exchange information with other drivers
- Render reasonable assistance to injured persons
- Report the accident to police (in certain circumstances)
Penalties Summary
| Situation | Class | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|
|
Property damage only (first offense) |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Up to 364 days jail, $2,500 fine |
|
Property damage only (second offense) |
Class 4 Felony |
1-3 years prison, $25,000 fine |
|
Personal injury |
Class 4 Felony |
1-3 years prison, $25,000 fine |
|
Death |
Class 2 Felony |
3-7 years prison, $25,000 fine |
What the State Must Prove
To convict you of leaving the scene, the prosecutor must prove:
- You were the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident
- You knew (or reasonably should have known) an accident occurred
- You failed to stop, exchange information, render aid, or report as required
Defense Strategies
Lack of Knowledge
If you genuinely did not know an accident occurred - perhaps due to minimal impact, loud music, or road conditions - you may have a defense.
You Were Not the Driver
Eyewitness identifications can be unreliable. We challenge the State's identification evidence.
Emergency Circumstances
If you left the scene due to a genuine emergency, this may provide a defense or mitigating factor.
Call Now
Leaving the scene charges can have serious consequences. At Stavros Law Offices, we investigate the facts and fight for the best outcome.
Call (847) 520-4810
Free Consultation | We Defend Your Rights
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