Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Georgia and can result in severe penalties. However, when a DUI incident involves a hit-and-run accident with a pedestrian, the consequences can be even more severe. In this blog post, we will discuss how Georgia DUI laws apply to hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians.
Georgia DUI Laws
In Georgia, DUI is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If an individual is caught driving under the influence, they can face severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, if the DUI incident involves a hit-and-run accident with a pedestrian, the penalties can be even more severe.
Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians
In Georgia, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are taken very seriously. If an individual is involved in a hit and run accident with a pedestrian, they can face felony charges. Under Georgia law, a felony hit and run is defined as leaving the scene of an accident that involves serious injury or death.
If an individual is convicted of a felony hit and run, they can face severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, their driver’s license may be suspended for a minimum of one year.
How Georgia DUI Laws Apply to Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving Pedestrians
If an individual is involved in a hit-and-run accident with a pedestrian while driving under the influence, they can face even more severe penalties. In addition to the penalties for the hit-and-run accident, they can also face penalties for the DUI.
Under Georgia law, if an individual is convicted of a DUI involving a hit-and-run accident with a pedestrian, they can face felony charges. The penalties for a felony DUI can include a prison sentence of up to five years and fines of up to $5,000. Additionally, their driver’s license may be suspended for a minimum of three years.
Furthermore, it is essential to note that leaving the scene of an accident, even if no one is injured, is also a crime in Georgia. Under Georgia law, a driver is required to stop immediately at the scene of an accident and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to any person involved in the accident or the police.
Failure to do so can result in a hit-and-run charge, which carries significant legal consequences, including jail time and fines. Leaving the scene of an accident, particularly when a pedestrian is involved, is a cowardly and reprehensible act that shows a lack of respect for human life.
Therefore, if you are involved in an accident with a pedestrian, the responsible course of action is to remain at the scene and provide aid and assistance to the person injured, if possible. Contacting the authorities and providing accurate and truthful information can go a long way in mitigating the legal and moral consequences of such an incident.
Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are a severe crime in Georgia, particularly when the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is essential to be aware of the legal consequences of one’s actions and to always drive responsibly, particularly when pedestrians are present. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is crucial to seek legal counsel immediately and work with the authorities to ensure that justice is served.
As a law firm, we specialize in defending individuals accused of DUI and hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians in Georgia. Our experienced attorneys understand the legal complexities of such cases and can provide expert legal advice and representation to clients in need.
If you are facing charges related to a hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian while under the influence, we can help in several ways. We can:
- Provide legal representation: We can provide legal representation for clients facing DUI and hit-and-run charges. Our experienced attorneys can defend your rights, negotiate plea deals, and represent you in court if necessary.
- Explain the law: We can explain the legal consequences of a hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian while under the influence. We can help clients understand the charges they are facing, the penalties they may be subject to, and the legal options available to them.
- Investigate the case: We can investigate the circumstances of the hit-and-run accident and gather evidence to build a strong defense. We can work with investigators, experts, and witnesses to build a comprehensive case that supports our client’s defense.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: We can negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or penalties for our clients. We can work to reach a plea deal that minimizes the consequences of the case and avoids a lengthy trial.
- Provide guidance and support: We can provide guidance and support to clients throughout the legal process. We can answer questions, provide advice, and offer emotional support to clients during a challenging and stressful time.
We can help individuals facing DUI and hit-and-run charges involving pedestrians by providing legal representation, explaining the law, investigating the case, negotiating with prosecutors, and providing guidance and support. If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.