A hit and run doesn’t automatically mean you’re guilty. But you do need a plan.
You were in an accident. You panicked. You didn’t think it was serious. You didn’t know you were supposed to stop. Now you’re being charged with leaving the scene — and you’re wondering how bad this could get.
The answer: pretty bad, if you don’t take action fast. But with the right legal help, there’s often a way forward.
At EHG Law Firm, we help people across Metro Atlanta who’ve been charged with hit and run or failure to stop after an accident — even when they didn’t realize anything was wrong.
What Does Georgia Law Say About Hit and Run?
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, Georgia drivers involved in an accident must:
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Stop at the scene (or as close as safely possible)
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Give their name, address, and vehicle info
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Show a driver’s license upon request
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Render aid if someone is injured
If you leave before doing those things, you may be charged with hit and run — even if the damage was minor.
What Are the Penalties?
The consequences depend on the facts of your case:
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Misdemeanor Hit and Run (no injury):
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Up to 12 months in jail
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License suspension
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Fines and probation
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You can also face:
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Civil lawsuits from the other party
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Higher insurance rates
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A criminal record that affects jobs or travel
A Real Story: He Thought It Was Nothing
A client came to us after being charged with hit and run in Gwinnett County. He’d clipped a parked car’s mirror while turning — didn’t feel any damage and didn’t stop. He thought nothing of it.
But someone took down his plate and filed a report. Weeks later, he got a call from the police.
We got involved right away, spoke to the Investigator, gathered evidence, and presented the full story. Because he had no criminal record and the damage was minor, we secured a resolution that avoided jail time, a conviction, and a license suspension.
Does Leaving the Scene Always Lead to Jail?
No. While these charges are serious, many first-time offenders avoid jail or even a conviction — especially if:
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There were no injuries
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You left unintentionally
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You have a relatively clean record
We work to:
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Negotiate alternative resolutions (dismissals, reductions, pretrial diversion)
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Review footage and evidence to challenge identification
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Present your side of the story before charges escalate
The earlier we’re involved, the more options we usually have.
What If I Haven’t Been Charged Yet?
If police have contacted you but you haven’t been arrested or charged, now is the time to get a lawyer.
We’ve helped clients avoid unnecessary penalties:
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Responding to investigators
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Negotiating warrant alternatives
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Making restitution early (when appropriate)
Once warrants are filed, the case becomes harder to unwind — so don’t wait.
We Handle Hit and Run Defense Across Metro Atlanta
We defend these charges in:
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Atlanta Municipal Court
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Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County courts
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City courts in Marietta, East Point, Decatur, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Roswell
We know how prosecutors and judges in each court treat these cases — and how to navigate them strategically.
Don’t Face This Alone
Leaving the scene doesn’t always mean you were in the wrong. But it’s not the kind of charge you want to explain away on your own.
We’ve helped hundreds of drivers in situations just like yours. We can help you, too.