What Happens To Hit And Run Drivers Who Are Later Found By Their License Plate? 

What Happens To Hit And Run Drivers Who Are Later Found By Their License Plate

What happens to hit-and-run drivers who are later found by their license plates?

In this article, you’ll learn about: 

  • how the police will find you
  • what consequences you’ll face
  • penalties you could face
  • whether you can get sued

Let’s dig in. 

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What Happens To Hit And Run Drivers Who Are Later Found By Their License Plate?

Let’s say there is a hit-and-run driver who is later found by their license plate. 

The process that follows generally involves:

  • investigation
  • arrest
  • legal proceedings

The specific consequences for the driver depends on:

  • the jurisdiction 
  • the severity of the incident

Here’s a general outline of what happens if you’re found by your license plate:

  1. Investigation: Once the police have the license plate number, they can track down the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and possibly inspect the vehicle for damage consistent with the incident.
  2. Arrest: If there is sufficient evidence to link the suspect to the hit-and-run, the police may arrest the individual on hit-and-run charges. In some cases, the suspect might be issued a citation or a court summons instead of being arrested, depending on the severity of the incident and local laws.
  3. Legal Proceedings: The suspect will be charged with hit and run, which can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case (i.e., whether someone was injured or killed). They will then face a trial, where they may be found guilty or not guilty.
  4. Sentencing: If the individual is found guilty, they will be sentenced according to the laws of their jurisdiction. Potential penalties for hit-and-run convictions include fines, probation, community service, suspension or revocation of driving privileges, and imprisonment. The specific penalties will depend on the severity of the incident, the individual’s prior criminal record, and other factors considered by the judge.
  5. Restitution: The guilty party may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim(s) of the hit and run, which could cover property damage, medical expenses, and other costs incurred as a result of the incident.
  6. Civil Litigation: In some cases, the victim(s) may also choose to file a civil lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver to recover additional damages. These include things like pain and suffering, lost wages, or other expenses not covered by restitution.

FAQs About Hit And Run Drivers Who Are Found By Their License Plate

Here are other questions people ask us about this topic. 

Can Someone Report You For Hitting Their Car If They Only Have Your License Plate Number?

Yes, someone can report you for hitting their car if they only have your license plate number. 

In a hit-and-run incident, the victim can provide the license plate number to law enforcement.

The police can then use it to identify the registered owner of the vehicle involved. 

Police will:

  • investigate the incident
  • gathering evidence
  • inspecting the vehicle for damage consistent with the claim

If there’s sufficient evidence, the driver may:

  • be arrested
  • be charged
  • face legal consequences for the hit and run

Read More: Will Cops Come To Your House For A Hit And Run?

What Evidence Is Needed To Convict A Hit And Run?

To convict a hit-and-run driver, multiple pieces of evidence are typically required. These can include:

  1. Vehicle identification: License plate number, vehicle make and model, or any other distinguishing characteristics can help identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run incident.
  2. Vehicle damage: Physical evidence of damage on the suspect’s vehicle, such as paint transfers, dents, or broken parts, can help link it to the scene of the incident.
  3. Witness testimony: Statements from eyewitnesses, including descriptions of the vehicle, driver, or the incident itself, can provide crucial evidence to support a hit-and-run conviction.
  4. Surveillance footage: Video recordings from traffic cameras, security cameras, or dashcams can capture the incident, the suspect’s vehicle, or the driver, providing further evidence.
  5. Location and time: Establishing the suspect’s presence at the location and time of the incident can help connect them to the hit-and-run.
  6. Suspect admission: A confession or incriminating statements made by the suspect can be used as evidence against them in court.
  7. Expert testimony: Accident reconstruction experts or forensic analysts may be called upon to provide professional assessments, supporting the case by analyzing the evidence and drawing conclusions.
  8. Digital evidence: Data from the suspect’s GPS, cell phone, or other electronic devices may provide information on their whereabouts during the time of the incident, further corroborating the case.

Read More: What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car But There’s No Damage

What Are The Chances Of Getting Away With Hit And Run?

It’s difficult to accurately estimate the chances of getting away with a hit-and-run.

Various factors come into play, such as:

  • the availability of witnesses
  • surveillance footage
  • the severity of the incident

Hit-and-run incidents are serious offenses with severe legal consequences.

Police use advanced technology to identify hit-and-run drivers. 

This includes traffic cameras and license plate recognition systems. 

Some individuals may initially evade capture

But, the risk is significant of eventually being identified and facing:

Minimize Your Hit-And-Run Charges

If you are facing a conviction of hit and run, fill out the form on this page.

Our criminal defense attorneys have the experience you need to defend your rights.

This way, you don’t:

  • get wrongfully convicted of criminal homicide
  • spend decades in jail needlessly
  • never see your family or loved ones again
  • get wrongfully accused of a serious crime by police officers

You deserve a fair trial in the criminal justice system.

We can provide you with that.

Talk soon.

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