I Committed a Hit-and-Run. How Long Will It Take for the Police to Find Me?

A hit-and-run is not something anyone plans for. In those split seconds after an accident, fear, confusion, or uncertainty may lead you to make a decision you never thought you would – leaving the scene of an accident. It’s crucial to acknowledge that it can happen to anyone, even the most responsible drivers.

In this blog, our criminal justice attorneys explain the nuances of hit-and-run charges, the potential consequences, and how to get legal help.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How long after hit and run will police contact me?” – we’re here to provide the answers you need.

What is Considered a Hit-and-Run?

Legally referred to as “leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident” (RSMo 577.060), a hit-and-run happens when you’re involved in a car accident that results in injury or property damage but fail to stop and provide your information to the other driver or law enforcement.

Under this statute, you are required to provide:

• Your name
• Your residence, including city and street number
• The registration or license number for your vehicle
• Your operator’s license number, if applicable

In certain cases, however, it’s possible that the person who left the accident scene had good reason. For instance, if the other driver was behaving erratically, there wasn’t a safe place to pull over, or they were in an unsafe area, this may be cause enough to leave the scene.

However, even in these cases, you are required to report the accident to local law enforcement and provide that information.

What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Hit-and-Run in Missouri?

If you left the scene of an accident, contacting law enforcement promptly — ideally with an attorney’s guidance — is generally far better than waiting for the police to find you. If you struck an unattended vehicle or property and no one was present to receive your information, Missouri law actually allows you to satisfy your legal duty by reporting the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency.

Reporting after you’ve already left a scene where the other party or an officer was present does not automatically erase the offense — but it can matter a great deal to how prosecutors view the case, and it may open the door to reduced charges, diversion, or other favorable outcomes. Before you contact police, it’s wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney first.

If you are worried about self-reporting the accident and you don’t want to face the police alone, you can contact our criminal defense attorneys at Rose Legal Services, and we can do it for you.

How Long Will It Take the Police to Find Me?

It’s impossible to know. It depends on how much information they have, including whether they have a license plate number, witnesses, or a description of you or the vehicle.

There’s no fixed duration; it could take hours or days, or they may never find you at all. However, rather than waiting for the police to locate you, it’s best to contact our law firm to discuss your next steps.

Legal Consequences of a Hit-and-Run

In Missouri, a hit-and-run offense starts as a misdemeanor, but the severity of the charges can escalate depending on the severity of the accident.

If the accident resulted in more than $1,000 of property damage or caused bodily injury to another party, it could lead to a Class E felony charge. A Class E felony under Missouri law carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction for leaving the scene also carries serious consequences for your driver’s license, including points against your record.

Furthermore, if the accident results in a fatality, it becomes a Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison.

These legal consequences highlight the importance of handling the situation responsibly and in accordance with the law. Fleeing the scene of an accident can lead to severe penalties that may have a lasting impact on your life.

Were You Involved in a Hit-and-Run? Call Rose Legal Services.

When you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, even minimal damage can quickly add up to over $1,000, potentially resulting in felony charges. Felonies are serious and can have a profound impact on your life. Taking such a chance is not advisable.

All of this underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to defend yourself. Whether you’ve left the scene out of panic, uncertainty, lack of insurance, or concerns for your safety, it’s essential to seek legal guidance.

At Rose Legal Services, our team is here to help you defend your rights and minimize the potential damage to your future. There may be diversion programs or other mitigating factors that can offer you a path to getting back on the right track.

Don’t let a hit-and-run incident define your future. Contact us today for a consultation.