A failure to stop and render aid “hit and run” in Houston, Texas is an offense that can range from a misdemeanor all the way to a felony. As such, it is considered a serious offense. In all cases, if a person is involved in an accident he or she should stop at the scene of the accident. When someone does not stop and render aid (or it is alleged so) they are charged and face criminal prosecution.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, if you are involved in an vehicular accident resulting in injury or death to a person, you must:
- Immediately stop at the scene of the accident or as close as possible
- Return to the scene if the vehicle is not at the scene
- Provide name, contact information, and insurance information. As well as reasonable assistance (including potentially transporting the injured to the hospital or making arrangements for hospital transportation)
Penalties for Failure to Stop and Render Aid
Consequences for a failure to stop and render aid conviction can vary and depend to some degree on the extent of the injury to the victim. In the situation of death or serious bodily injury, the offense can be classified as a third degree felony and carries no less than 2 years in prison and up to 10 years.
In a case where death or serious bodily injury cannot be proven, failure to stop and render aid may still carry a sentence of up to five years incarceration.
In some accident cases there is only property damage. It is nonetheless required to stop and provide name, contact information, and insurance. Failure to do so can result in a Class C misdemeanor — which can carry a hefty fine as well as up to 180 days in jail.
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident and charged with failure to render aid in Harris County, contact criminal defense attorney Carl Haggard of The Haggard Law Firm at (832) 328-0600 or use the short email form. Carl will provide you a free confidential consultation about your charges and will immediately go to work to fight for you. Carl Haggard has over 30 years of experience defending people against criminal charges related to failure to stop and give aid in Houston and surrounding cities and has a verifiable winning case record.
