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Charged with Hit-and-Run?

A Minnesota hit-and-run collision may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of damages and injuries.

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Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws

Under Minnesota Statutes, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a crime. The law requires any driver involved in a collision with another vehicle to stop and investigate the accident and remain at the scene until police officers arrive. Leaving the scene of the accident without following the law may result in hit-and-run charges, punishable as a misdemeanor or felony offense.

After a car accident occurs, a driver is required to call the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene unless the driver requires emergency medical care. The driver should check for injury victims, as well as vehicle and property damages.

Bodily Harm

If the driver knows or has reason to know the collision caused injury or death to another person, the driver must remain at the scene of the collision and report the collision, injuries, and fatalities to the local police, county sheriff, or highway patrol right away.

Vehicle Damages

If the driver reasonably knows the collision resulted in damage to another vehicle, whether occupied or unoccupied, the driver must remain at the scene. If the damaged vehicle is unattended, the driver must attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle. If the owner can’t be located, the driver must leave his/her name and personal information in a written note on the windshield of the damaged vehicle.

Property Damages

If the driver reasonably knows the collision resulted in property damages only, the driver must take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner of the property, or leave his/her name and address and license plate number in a written note attached to the damaged property.

Misdemeanor Charges

Hit-and-run accidents that involve only vehicle or property damages are charged as misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses. Penalties and fines are usually based on the monetary value of the damages.

Felony Charges

Hit-and-run accidents that involve bodily harm or death to another person are charged as felony offenses. If bodily harm occurs, a driver can face fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. If the hit-and-run results in death to another person, a driver can face fines up to $5,000 and up to three years in jail.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.