In Minnesota, hit and run is a serious offense under Minnesota Statutes Section 169.09. This law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and provide information, assist injured persons, and report the incident if necessary. Failing to do so can lead to significant legal consequences, which aim to ensure accountability and assist those affected by an accident.
The statute covers a range of situations, whether it’s a minor fender-bender with property damage or a more serious accident involving injuries or fatalities. Drivers are legally required to remain at the scene, exchange information, and provide aid if needed. Leaving the scene of an accident without fulfilling these obligations constitutes a hit and run, which can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the accident.
Apple Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer
James Blumberg is a qualified criminal defense attorney who focuses on criminal defense cases, including hit and run incidents. With extensive experience serving Minnesota, Blumberg will fight hard to protect you against a criminal charge.
To learn more about how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help your case, call us today at (952) 431-7758. Your first consultation is free, so call now.
Information Center for Hit and Run
What is a Hit and Run?
In Minnesota, a hit and run is a criminal offense Minnesota Statutes Section 169.09., which mandates that any driver involved in a motor vehicle accident must stop, provide information, and offer reasonable assistance if injuries are present. This law applies in various situations, including accidents causing property damage, injury, or death. Here are some examples:
Fleeing the Scene After a Minor Accident
- Scenario: A driver accidentally hits a parked car in a grocery store parking lot, causing minor damage. Instead of leaving a note or waiting for the owner, the driver leaves the scene. This is considered a hit and run, even if the damage is minor.
Leaving the Scene of a Collision with an Injury
- Scenario: A driver collides with a motorcyclist, causing the rider to fall and sustain injuries. Instead of stopping to check on the motorcyclist and call for help, the driver flees. This would be a serious hit and run offense due to the injury involved.
Not Reporting an Accident Involving Property Damage
- Scenario: A person backs into a fence while reversing out of a driveway, damaging the property. Failing to notify the property owner or law enforcement makes this a hit and run, even though it did not involve another vehicle or person.
Hit and Run Resulting in Fatalities
- Scenario: A driver is involved in a collision with a pedestrian, causing fatal injuries. The driver panics and leaves the scene without calling emergency services or providing aid. This would result in felony charges for fleeing the scene of a fatal accident.
These examples illustrate how hit and run violations can occur, whether intentional or due to panic in the heat of the moment.
Penalties
The penalties for a hit and run in Minnesota vary depending on the circumstances of the incident, such as whether the accident involved property damage, injuries, or fatalities:
Misdemeanor:
For accidents resulting in minor property damage only, the penalty can include up to:
- 90 days in jail and
- A $1,000 fine.
Gross Misdemeanor:
For accidents involving injuries that are not life-threatening, the penalty can include:
- Up to 1 year in jail and
- Fines of up to $3,000.
Felony:
If the accident results in serious bodily harm or death, the offender may face:
- up to 5 years in jail and
- Fines starting at $5,000 or more depending on the severity
Defenses
Several defenses may be raised to contest charges of hit and run under Minnesota law, depending on the specifics of the case. Some common defenses include:
Lack of Knowledge:
- If the accused did not realize they were involved in an accident (for example, in very minor incidents), they may argue that they had no knowledge of the collision.
Medical Emergency:
- If the accused experienced a medical emergency at the time of the accident, they may argue that their condition prevented them from stopping or following proper procedures.
Not the Driver:
- In some cases, the defense might argue that the accused was not the driver involved in the hit and run, and thus should not be held responsible for leaving the scene.
Additional Resources:
- Minnesota Statute 169.09: It is unlawful for a driver involved in an accident to leave the scene without stopping, providing information, and offering aid.
- Minnesota Driver’s Manual: Contains detailed information about the duties of drivers in the event of an accident and the requirements for stopping and reporting.
Contact a Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with a hit and run, contact Dakota County criminal defense attorney James Blumberg at (952) 431-7758 to begin building a strong defense. Your future is important, and he can use his knowledge and experience on both sides of the law to help you protect it.
James Blumberg Law accepts clients in Dakota County and other surrounding communities, including Sibley County, Scott County, Rice County, Carver County, Dodge County, Olmsted County, and Steele County.