If you are facing hit-and-run charges, you are in a sensitive position. Not only are you accused of leaving the scene of an accident, but you are also possibly suspected of causing the accident in the first place. The consequences of a hit-and-run conviction can be severe, including jail time, a suspended driver's license, and a permanent criminal record. 

Fortunately, there are defenses that can be raised to contest hit-and-run charges. The strength of your defense will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Here are some defenses to help you get started. 

You Didn't Know You Hit Anybody or Anything

One of the most common defenses to a hit-and-run charge is that you didn't know you hit anybody. This can be tough to prove, but if there's evidence that you didn't intend to hit anyone or that it would have been impossible for you to know that you hit someone, this defense can work.

For example, say you were driving on a dark, rural road and lightly hit a parked vehicle. You may not have felt anything. In this case, it would be hard for prosecutors to prove that you knew you hit something when you left the scene.

You Had an Emergency Situation

Another common defense is that you had an emergency situation that prevented you from stopping at the scene of the accident. This might be something like a sick child or a passenger in labor that made it unsafe for you to stop.

To use this defense, you'll need to show that it was crucial for you to get to the hospital or somewhere else relevant as soon as possible or somebody else would have been injured or even killed.

You Thought It Was Dangerous to Stop

In some cases, the accident scene may have been unsafe for you to stop. For example, if the other driver threatened you or there was heavy oncoming traffic, you may have thought it was too dangerous to pull over.

If you can show that you had a reasonable belief that you were in danger and that driving away was the right choice, you've got a defense. You may have a stronger case if you can prove that you did report the accident when you were in a safer location.

Consult With a Criminal Defense Attorney

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand and assert the defenses that are most likely to be successful in your situation. If you're facing hit-and-run charges, don't wait to get started on your defense.

Reach out to a firm like Rollins Law Group for more information.