Hit and Run Defense in the Shreveport-Bossier area

Louisiana defines "hit and run driving" as the intentional failure of a driver involved in or causing any accident, to stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident, to furnish one's identity, and to render reasonable aid.

It is possible to be sentenced for this crime as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Whoever commits the crime of hit-and-run driving shall be sentenced as follows:

• Where there is no death or serious bodily injury
  • a fine of no more than $500, or
  • imprisonment for not more than six months, or
  • both.
  
  
• Where there is no death or serious bodily injury but there is evidence that the vehicle operator consumed alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance prior to the accident; the consumption of the alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance contributed to the accident; and, the driver failed to stop, give his identity, or render aid, with the knowledge that his actions could affect a future criminal investigation or proceeding.
  
  • a fine of no more than $500, or
  • imprisonment for no less than 10 days and no more than 6 months, or
  • both.
  
  
• When death or serious bodily injury is a direct result of the accident; and when the driver knew, or should have known, that death or serious bodily injury has occurred
  
  • a fine of no more than $5,000, or
  • mprisonment, with or without hard labor, for no more than 10 years, or
  • both.
  
  
• Where all of the following conditions are met:
  
  • Death or serious bodily injury is a direct result of the accident.
  • The driver knew, or must have known, that the vehicle he was operating was involved in an accident or his operation of the vehicle was the direct cause of an accident.
  • And the driver has been previously convicted of any of the following offenses:
    
    • A violation of a law or ordinance of any state/political subdivision that prohibits operation of any vehicle or means of transportation, while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled dangerous substance, on two or more occasions within ten years of this offense.
    • A violation of the vehicular homicide statute.
    • A violation of the vehicular negligent injuring statute.
    • A violation of the first-degree vehicular negligent injuring statute.
  • imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for no less than five years and no more than twenty years.