Charged With a Hit & Run in Illinois?
Being involved in an accident is scary—but leaving the scene can turn a bad situation into a criminal case. In Illinois, a hit-and-run isn't just a traffic ticket—it could be a felony offense that lands you in serious legal trouble.
What Exactly Is a Hit & Run in Illinois?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without offering help or sharing their information—especially when someone is injured or killed. Illinois law requires you to stay at the scene if there’s any injury, death, or property damage.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: How Serious Is It?
Not all hit-and-run charges are the same. The severity depends on what happened in the crash:
Misdemeanor (Class A) – Usually for property damage. Punishable by:
Up to 1 year in jail
Fines up to $2,500
Felony – Applies if someone was seriously injured or killed. Penalties can include:
Up to 7 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
The more severe the outcome of the crash, the more serious the charge.
What Happens If You Leave the Scene?
Leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois can result in:
Jail or prison time
Probation
Fines
License suspension or revocation
Court-ordered programs, like alcohol or driver safety classes
Civil lawsuits from the other party
Victims can sue for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. So even if you avoid jail, your wallet might not come out unscathed.
Can You Be Convicted Without Solid Proof?
For a prosecutor to convict you of hit-and-run, they must prove:
An accident occurred.
You were the driver involved.
You knew (or should have known) there was a crash.
You intentionally left without giving info or helping.
There were no valid excuses, like a medical emergency.
No knowledge of the crash? That might be your strongest defense.
Possible Defenses Against Hit & Run Charges
If you're being charged, don’t panic—there are legal defenses that could protect you:
You didn’t know an accident happened
You tried to stop or help, but something prevented it
There was a medical emergency
You lacked intent to flee
Every case is different, and a skilled defense attorney can help uncover the best strategy.
Don’t Wait—Talk to a Hit & Run Defense Attorney Now
Being charged with a hit-and-run in Illinois isn’t something you can afford to take lightly. A conviction could affect your freedom, finances, and future. That’s why you need an experienced lawyer on your side—fast.
Lake County criminal defense attorney, Alan Lenczycki, is ready to stand in your corner. With a focus on aggressive and strategic defense, Alan can help you fight the charges and protect your rights from day one. Schedule your FREE consultation today to get clarity, confidence, and legal support when you need it most.
