Home » Smyrna Hit and Run Lawyers | Protecting Teen & Young Adult Drivers

Getting into an accident is scary, especially for young drivers. But if you drive away from the scene, you could be charged with hit-and-run under Georgia law. A conviction can lead to serious penalties that impact your freedom, finances, and future. If you or your child are facing hit-and-run charges in Smyrna, it’s critical to have an experienced defense lawyer in your corner.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we’ve helped countless young drivers and their families navigate the legal system and avoid the life-changing consequences of a hit-and-run conviction. We understand what’s at stake and are committed to protecting your future every step of the way.

What Constitutes a Hit and Run in Smyrna, GA?

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270), hit and run is defined as the failure to stop and provide certain information at the scene of an accident that results in injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by any person. Drivers have a legal duty to:

1. Immediately stop their vehicle
2. Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration to the other party
3. Show their driver’s license upon request
4. Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured
5. If a person injured is unconscious, appears deceased, or unable to communicate, then make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency medical services and local law enforcement are contacted

Leaving the scene for any reason before fulfilling these duties could result in hit-and-run charges. To convict you, the prosecution must prove that you were driving, knew or should have known that an accident occurred, and willfully failed to stop and comply with your legal obligations.

Consequences of a Hit-and-Run Conviction for Young Drivers

Criminal Penalties

Hit and run can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Misdemeanor hit and run, which includes accidents involving only property damage or non-serious injuries, carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.

Felony hit and run occurs when you leave the scene of an accident that results in serious injury or death. It’s punishable by 1-5 years in prison (O.C.G.A § 40-6-270(b)).

License Suspension

A hit-and-run conviction comes with a mandatory license suspension, even for a first offense. This can make it difficult or impossible to get to school, work, or fulfill family obligations. A skilled Smyrna hit-and-run lawyer may be able to help you avoid or minimize the impact of a license suspension.

Insurance Rates

A hit-and-run conviction can cause your insurance rates to increase or your policy to be canceled altogether. You could be considered a high-risk driver, which can double or even triple your premiums for years to come. This financial burden compounds the stress of potential criminal penalties.

Education and Career Opportunities

A hit-and-run conviction can have severe consequences for a young person’s education and career aspirations. Many colleges and universities consider criminal history during the admissions process, and a conviction may lead to denial of acceptance or loss of scholarships. Additionally, employers often conduct background checks, and a hit-and-run conviction can make it challenging to secure employment, particularly in fields that require driving or positions of trust.

Potential Defenses Against Hit and Run Charges

Just because you’re accused of hit and run doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. Several defenses may apply in your case:

• Identity issues — If the prosecution can’t prove that you were driving the vehicle, you could be acquitted of hit-and-run. This is common when the driver’s identity is unclear.
• Insufficient evidence — The prosecution has the burden to prove every element of hit and run beyond a reasonable doubt. If key evidence is missing, inaccurate, or improperly obtained, it can result in reduced or dismissed charges.

An experienced hit-and-run attorney will thoroughly investigate the allegations, gather favorable evidence, and craft the strongest possible defense strategy for your unique situation.

Beyond the technical legal defenses, there may also be mitigating factors for your legal team to present to the prosecutor to see if a favorable negotiation can be reached in the matter. While some cases are won through litigation, others are resolved favorably through negotiations.

Why Young Drivers Need an Experienced Hit-and-Run Lawyer

Young drivers have their whole lives ahead of them. A hit-and-run conviction can derail educational goals, career plans, and personal relationships. The consequences are simply too high to face alone.

Our attorneys understand Georgia’s hit-and-run laws and know how to navigate the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. We can provide the guidance and support you or your child needs during this stressful time, helping to protect their future and ensure their voice is heard.

Some of the key reasons young drivers need an experienced hit-and-run lawyer include:

1. Minimizing the impact on their future: A skilled attorney will work to mitigate the consequences of a hit-and-run charge, striving to minimize any record and help protect their opportunities for education and employment.
2. Advocating for appropriate consequences: An experienced lawyer understands that young people make mistakes and that the focus should be on rehabilitation and learning from those mistakes. They’ll advocate for age-appropriate consequences that prioritize growth and development over harsh punishment.
3. Investigating the incident thoroughly: A knowledgeable attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the hit-and-run incident, gathering evidence and having their team interview witnesses, as appropriate, to build a strong defense strategy.
4. Negotiating with prosecutors: An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with prosecutors, working to reduce charges, secure plea bargains, or advocate for alternative sentencing options when appropriate.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we understand the challenges and pressures young drivers face when accused of hit and run. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing the skilled legal representation, emotional support, and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Get the Legal Help You Need from Our Smyrna Hit and Run Lawyers

If you or a loved one are facing hit-and-run charges in Smyrna, don’t wait to get the legal representation you need. The sooner you contact our firm, the sooner we can start building your defense and working towards the best possible outcome.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we understand Georgia’s hit-and-run laws and how they impact young drivers. We’ll thoroughly review the evidence, explain your options, and fight to protect your freedom and future.

Don’t let a criminal charge turn into a lifelong consequence. Contact us to request a consultation with our legal team.