I Committed a Hit and Run — How Long Will it Take for the Police to Find Me?
July 24, 2025
A hit and run accident is one of the more serious traffic offenses, and it carries significant legal consequences, often involving both criminal charges and civil liabilities. Understanding the complexities of these cases is crucial for anyone involved.
At Kirsch & Kirsch, LLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of navigating the challenging legal landscape surrounding hit and run incidents, ensuring our clients receive knowledgeable and compassionate representation. We recognize that police investigations into hit and run cases can vary in length and intensity, and it is important for individuals to be aware of the timelines and procedures that may follow an accident.
Most importantly, those facing hit and run allegations need to understand their legal rights and options early on to protect themselves effectively. Our team of criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the process, from initial investigation to resolution, to achieve the best possible outcome.
Understanding Hit and Run Charges
A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident fails to stop at the scene as required by law. A driver’s obligations include:
Providing Aid: If there are injuries, reasonable assistance must be provided. This could mean calling for medical help if it appears to be needed or is requested by the injured person.
Exchanging Information: Drivers must exchange their name, address, vehicle registration number, and display their driver’s license if requested.
Notification to Police: In accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage, drivers are required to immediately notify the police.
Leaving the scene without fulfilling these obligations constitutes the criminal offense of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly known as a hit and run.
The legal consequences of a hit and run in Missouri are severe and depend on the severity of the accident’s outcome. If the accident involves only property damage, the offense is typically classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in fines and possible jail time. However, if the accident causes injury or death, the offense escalates to a felony, carrying much harsher penalties for the hit and run driver. These include significant fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Additionally, those convicted may face license suspension and increased insurance costs. Missouri law strictly enforces these rules to promote accountability and public safety on the roads.
How Law Enforcement Handles a Hit and Run Investigation
When law enforcement investigates a hit and run case, they follow a systematic process to identify the responsible party and gather evidence. The investigation typically begins with officers arriving at the accident scene to collect all available facts, including examining vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris. They will document the scene thoroughly through photographs and notes. Next, officers interview any witnesses and the victim(s) to gather detailed accounts of the incident.
Investigators also seek out additional evidence such as surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras that might have captured the accident or the fleeing vehicle. They may canvass the area for tips or information from the public. Law enforcement will use physical evidence, witness statements, and technology like license plate readers to track down the suspect vehicle. Throughout the process, police coordinate with other agencies as needed and build a case to support potential criminal charges.
This thorough investigative approach helps ensure that hit and run offenders are identified and held accountable under the law. It is impossible for a hit and run driver to know how long this process will take; it could be a few hours, days, weeks, months, or even longer.
Factors That Influence the Time it Takes for Police to Identify and Locate a Suspect
Several factors influence how quickly police can identify and locate a suspect in a hit and run case:
Quality and Availability of Evidence: Clear physical evidence such as vehicle debris, skid marks, or paint transfers can provide crucial clues. Surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts greatly speed up identification of the person who committed a hit and run.
Witness Cooperation and Reliability: The number of witnesses and how accurately they can describe the suspect or vehicle affects the investigation timeline. Confident and consistent statements by the hit and run victim and others who happened to see the accident occur help police act faster.
Time and Location of the Incident: A hit and run offense that occurs in a busy, well-monitored area with traffic cameras is easier to investigate than those in remote or poorly lit locations.
Police Resources and Workload: The availability of officers, forensic experts, and technology tools like license plate readers impacts response time and car accident investigation speed.
Suspect Behavior: If the suspect takes steps to conceal their identity or vehicle, such as changing their license plate number or fleeing the area quickly, it can delay identification. On the other hand, if they tell people about the accident or someone notices the damage to their vehicle, this can speed up the identification process.
Complexity of the Case: Cases involving serious injuries or fatalities often receive priority and more intensive investigation, potentially accelerating suspect identification.
While it’s impossible to know exactly how long the legal process will take, one thing is for sure — leaving an accident scene has serious consequences that will catch up with you sooner or later. It is just a matter of time. Getting legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer is essential before you make any more mistakes that could negatively impact your future.
The Importance of Legal Representation if You’ve Committed a Hit and Run
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run car accident, it is crucial to seek legal guidance immediately. A hit and run conviction is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
Navigating the complexities of criminal defense in such cases requires experienced legal representation to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. An attorney can help develop the best defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case, potentially minimizing the consequences you face after leaving the scene of an accident. Without proper legal counsel, individuals risk making decisions that could worsen their situation. Therefore, securing skilled criminal defense is essential if you find yourself involved in a hit and run incident.
Possible Defense Strategies After Leaving the Scene of an Auto Accident
When facing charges for leaving the scene of an auto accident, there are several possible defense strategies that can be explored depending on the case’s unique circumstances.
Whether or not it is classified as a hit and run depends on you knowing an accident occurred and driving away, purposefully not exchanging driver’s license and insurance company information. One common defense is proving that you were unaware an accident occurred, especially if the accident’s severity was minor and did not cause noticeable damage or bodily injury.
If a death occurs, the defense can argue you weren’t aware of the severity of the situation. Another approach involves demonstrating that you promptly attempted to locate and notify the other driver, which can help mitigate both civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, challenging the accuracy of the evidence or witness statements may cast doubt on your involvement.
It’s important to understand the potential consequences of a hit and run, including criminal penalties that vary based on injury or property damage. A skilled attorney from Kirsch & Kirsch, LLC will assess these factors to build a defense that addresses the specifics of your situation and aims to reduce or dismiss charges.
We Will Zealously Represent Clients Who Have Left the Scene of an Accident
Being charged with a crime can seriously impact your life. A conviction will have even more serious consequences. Hit and run charges are not something to take lightly, and certainly not something to assume won’t happen to you. If you left the scene of an accident with property damage, serious bodily injury, or death, and the local police haven’t contacted you yet, assume they will soon. The police department will be gathering key evidence, but you can and should remain calm and contact us. We’ll help you navigate the next stages of this situation.