Connecticut General Statutes §14-224 – Evading Responsibility

Definition of Evading Responsibility

Evading responsibility, Connecticut General Statutes § 14-224, is also known as hit and run. It occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves, rather than staying at the scene to provide their name and address or help someone who is injured. It is a very commonly charged crime in Connecticut. Often hit and run occurs when people panic and take off in terror. In other situations, individuals may be under the influence of alcohol of drugs and attempting to avoid being arrested for a DUI. A lot of people accused of this offense may not have realized that they were involved in an accident.

One of the key terms in this statute, which greatly affects the level of the charge and the associated penalties, is “serious physical injuries.” Serious physical injuries are injuries that generate a substantial risk of death or that trigger serious disfigurement, impairment of health, or impairment or loss of function of a bodily organ.

Evading responsibility cases that involve serious physical injuries or death are treated very seriously and are felony-level offenses punishable by years in jail. Hit and run cases involving property damage only are a misdemeanor level crime but must be defended aggressively as a conviction is a permanent criminal record and will result in a suspension of your license by the DMV. If you or a family member or loved one has been charged with evading responsibility, we encourage you to immediately contact our office to defend you aggressively and protect your driver’s license.

The following is an explanation of Connecticut hit and run laws, and the impact of a conviction for Connecticut General Statutes § 14-224 could have on your future:

Elements of the Crime Which Must be Proven by The State

This is a crime that requires that the State prove you knew that you were involved in an accident, in addition, the prosecution must prove the following additional elements of the crime:

1. While operating a motor vehicle, the accused was involved in an accident that either
   1. Caused death;
      1. Serious physical injury; or
      2. Property damage, (note it can be property damage to your vehicle, a home, utility pole or another vehicle);
2. AND that the accused failed to do the following:
   1. Stop at the scene of the accident and render assistance to anyone who is seriously injured;
   2. Provide to the other person, witness, or police officer their name and address, drivers license and registration numbers; OR
   3. If unable to provide such information at the scene of the accident, immediately report the accident at the nearest police station by making an accident report.
3. If the accident involves property damage only and occurs on a limited-access highway, the statute requires the motorist to move the vehicle off the traveled portion of the highway and to the side of the roadway.

The duty to stop and provide information applies regardless of who is at fault.Thus, even if someone else rear-ends your car, you can’t just take off. Similarly, the duty to assist applies regardless of fault.

Examples

A charge of evading responsibility may be brought under circumstances such as the following:

1. You collide with another vehicle and leave the scene without leaving your information or going to a nearby police station to make a report;
2. You hit another vehicle, and the other driver is seriously injured and unconscious. There is a witness to the serious injury, but you drive away without providing information or help;
3. Someone in another vehicle is at fault and collides with your vehicle, and you fail to stay at the scene and exchange information or file a report at the nearest police station.
4. You hit another vehicle, and the driver is unconscious, and there are no other witnesses, but you fail to report the injuries and property damage to the police;
5. You strike another vehicle in a parking lot but don’t stop to examine how much damage was done and leave without making a report of the incident.

Related Offenses

Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-57 – Misconduct with a Motor Vehicle

Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227(a) – DUI

Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-56b – Manslaughter with a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree

Defenses to Evading Responsibility Charges

The State has the burden to prove all elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In some situations, we can establish that our client was not knowingly involved in a collision. Or perhaps you did stop, but you reasonably determined that the other person did not need assistance. Sometimes there are procedural issues associated with an investigation or arrest that might support a motion to suppress evidence.

For cases involving property damage only, a top Connecticut criminal lawyer will always attempt to convince the State’s attorney to lower the change to the infraction of failure to stop and show an insurance ID card. If that approach fails, often a diversionary program such as the accelerated rehabilitation program is a great way to have the charges dismissed and save your driver’s license. The accelerated rehabilitation program can also be used in cases involving physical injury. Every case is unique, and your first step should be to contact our office for a free consultation to determine the best approach to defending your case and achieving the best outcome possible.

Penalties

Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-224, the penalty varies depending on the severity of the accident. Since often it is difficult to know the extent of the injuries to other parties involved in an accident, it is never a good idea to leave the scene of an accident. We realize that good people often make mistakes in stressful situations, and we are here to offer compassionate and zealous defense for clients charged with evading responsibility.

If the accident caused a death or a serious physical injury under Section 14-224(a) or Section 14-224(b)(1), upon a conviction, you could face 2-20 years of incarceration, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. 2 years of that sentence would be a mandatory minimum sentence.

If the accident caused minor injuries, it is in an unclassified felony, and you can face a maximum of five years of incarceration, a fine of $75-$600, or both.

If the accident caused only property damage, it is a class A misdemeanor, and you can face a maximum of one year of incarceration, a fine of $75-$600, or both. Penalties in cases involving minor injuries or property damage increase to $100-$1,000 for subsequent offenses, although the maximum term of incarceration remains the same.

Let Us Defend Your Evading Responsibility Case!

Evasion of responsibility charges can carry significant penalties and the loss of your driver’s license. If you are facing this type of charge or a charge for a related offense, you should not hesitate to contact Stamford criminal defense lawyer Allan F. Friedman. He can carefully review the circumstances leading to the charges and investigate all the available defenses and other strategies. Call us at (203) 357-5555 or contact us via our online form for a free consultation.

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