Leaving the Scene of a DUI Accident Can Lead to More Charges

 Posted on April 07, 2017 in DUI/DWI

Countless people in Illinois get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, despite knowing thatdriving under the influence is illegal. Adriver maythink that he or she issober enough to driveor willnot get caught. However,if you arecaught, you will quickly find out that Illinois law enforcement does not take DUI very lightly.

Police are often harsh on drivers who are intoxicated behind the wheel and they will often look for ways to stack up as many criminal charges against an intoxicated driver as possible. But in some situations the driver actually gives the police good reason to add on additional criminal charges.

Extra Charges When the DUI Results in An Accident

If you are driving under the influence and you cause an accident, either a single vehicle accident or an accident involving another vehicle, when police arrive at the scene, they will look for every way that they can to charge you with criminal charges in addition to your DUI. For instance, if anaccident was the result of your speeding or reckless driving, police will charge you with DUI, in addition to a reckless driving or speeding charge.

Tacking on Charges When Leaving the Scene of An Accident

Sometimes a driver involved in a DUI accident might decide that he or sheshould leave the scene of the accident in order to protect himself or herselffrom being arrested. For instance, this is common when a drunk driver hits a parked car. The intoxicated driver might leave the scene of the accident, thinking that because no one saw the accident there will be no liability. This is very far from the truth.

Hitting a parked car and then leaving the scene of the accident is a hit and run. Once the owner of the parked car discovers that his or hervehicle was involved in a hit and run accident, he or shewill report the accidentto police and the police will investigate. You could very well be identified as the culprit if the police are able to successfully conduct their investigation. You could be charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and hit and run.

If the accident involved another vehicle and you try to flee the accident scene before the police arrive, you will face additional charges as well. On top of your DUI charge, you will be charged with leaving the scene of the accident, and could be charged with other offenses based on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, if you left someone injured at the accident scene and you did not try to help that person, you could be further charged with failure to render aid.

Contact Us Today for Help

Driving under the influence charges are serious, and your situation can get far worse if you leave the scene of an accident. Even if you know that you are likely to be charged with a DUI if you stay, it is important that you stay until police arrive if you have been involved in an accident. Dealing with the DUI is one thing, but the additional charges that can be tacked on against you if you leave the scene of an accident can make things much worse for you. Furthermore, it is in your best interests to contact a skilled Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney for help with your case.

Sources:

http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-403.htm

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501