Is Leaving the Scene a Felony?

While Nevada law requires anyone involved in a car accident to stay at the scene and take certain steps, not all drivers follow the law. The penalties for fleeing the scene of a collision depend on whether anyone involved in the crash sustained injuries or died, among other factors. So, is leaving the scene of a Nevada car accident a felony?

Here’s the short version: Fleeing the scene of a crash is a felony if someone involved in the collision sustained an injury or died. Otherwise, it’s a misdemeanor. There are other crucial details to understand about Nevada hit-and-runs, though. Join the Las Vegas hit-and-run attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration as we discuss this vital topic.

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Nevada Hit-and-Run Laws

Nevada law says any driver involved in a car accident with injuries or deaths must take certain steps. Drivers must stop their vehicles as close to the crash scene as possible without blocking traffic. Additionally, drivers must remain at the crash scene until they have called for emergency assistance and given the other drivers involved in the collision certain information, including:

  • Their name
  • Their address
  • Their vehicle registration information
  • Their driver’s license number, if asked

The same rules apply to accidents with property damage but no injuries or deaths. Finally, after completing the above steps, drivers involved in a collision must report the incident to the nearest law enforcement agency.

Penalties for Fleeing the Scene of an Accident in Nevada

Nevada law stipulates that fleeing the scene of an accident with injuries or deaths is a Category B felony. The penalties for the offense include 2-20 years in prison and a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. Fleeing the scene of a crash when it’s a felony can also result in secondary penalties, including:

  • Losing your driver’s license – Fleeing the scene of an accident without giving the required information could put six demerit points on your driver’s license. If you accumulate more than 12 points in 12 months, the state automatically suspends your driver’s license for six months. If you flee the scene of an accident involving severe injuries or deaths, the state could revoke your license altogether.
  • Losing your gun rights – Since fleeing the scene of an accident with injuries or deaths is a felony, a conviction will mean the loss of your gun rights, as convicted felons can’t own guns in Nevada.
  • Difficulty finding work – While fleeing the scene of a crash isn’t a violent offense, many employers hesitate to hire workers with felony convictions, making it difficult to find a job after you finish your prison sentence.
  • Difficulty finding housing – Similar to employers, landlords often don’t like people with felony convictions as tenants. You might have trouble finding an affordable and convenient place to live with a felony on your record.
  • Social isolation – People often look down on people convicted of crimes, so your friends and family might not want to spend time with you once you complete your sentence.

If the crash only involved property damage, fleeing the scene is a misdemeanor. In Nevada, the baseline penalties for a misdemeanor include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. You’ll still receive points on your driver’s license, which could lead to a license suspension. A Nevada hit-and-run defense attorney can explain the particular penalties you might face.

Steps To Take After a Las Vegas Car Accident

While the law spells out the steps you must take after a Las Vegas car accident, there are other actions you should take to protect your health and avoid potential legal trouble, such as:

  • Stay calm – It’s natural to feel fear and other intense emotions after a collision, but it’s crucial to avoid panicking and keep a clear head. Letting your fear control you might cause you to flee the scene or do something else that might lead to trouble with the police.
  • Take pictures of the crash scene and your injuries – Use your phone to document the accident, any hazards you notice in the area, nearby surveillance cameras (if any), and your injuries. You might need this evidence later to show you stayed at the scene and took the steps Nevada law requires.
  • Watch what you say to the police – While you don’t want to be confrontational with the police, you also don’t want to give them any more information than necessary. Stick to the basic facts of the crash, avoid discussing fault, and ask for a lawyer immediately if the police take you into custody.
  • Seek medical attention once you’ve complied with the law – If you have severe injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you’ve fulfilled your legal requirements, see a doctor if you haven’t summoned emergency medical responders.
  • Talk to a lawyer – There’s no harm in tFleeing a Nevada car accident with injuries is a felony. Learn the consequences and get defense help from De Castroverde Law Group.alking to an attorney after a severe accident, even if the police haven’t arrested you. A lawyer can review your situation and advise you on how to avoid further legal trouble.

Defense Strategies in Nevada Hit-and-Run Cases

Our Las Vegas hit-and-run defense lawyers can help if the police accuse you of fleeing the scene after a collision. Some common defense strategies in these cases include:

  • Emergency situation – If you had a legitimate medical emergency or a threat to your safety (if the other driver pulled a gun on you, for example), those mitigating circumstances might convince the authorities to drop your charges.
  • Mistaken identity – Car accidents are chaotic and traumatic, leading drivers to sometimes misidentify a car that fled the scene. If you can show you were not involved in the crash, prosecutors might drop the case against you.
  • Stop and Return – If you moved your car down the road to avoid blocking traffic before returning to the scene, your lawyer could argue you followed the law and committed no crime, even if someone saw you leave temporarily.
  • Unattended car – It can be difficult to identify the driver or owner of an unattended car. If you did your best and left a note with your contact information, your attorney can argue that you followed the letter of the law and that you shouldn’t face any charges.

Contact a Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Defense Lawyer Now

Don’t risk the potential consequences of a hit-and-run conviction by not seeking legal help. Call De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration now or reach out online for a confidential consultation.