Alabama Hit and Run Penalties & Sentencing Guidelines

Fleeing the scene of an accident, commonly known as a hit and run, is one of the most serious motor vehicle offenses a person can face under Alabama law. The state’s legal system is designed with a stringent set of rules that mandate all drivers involved in a collision to stop, render aid, and exchange necessary information. Failure to adhere to these duties transforms a civil liability matter into a criminal prosecution with potentially life-altering consequences.

The severity of an Alabama hit and run verdict is directly tied to the resulting harm, which determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. This comprehensive guide breaks down the sentencing guidelines, potential fines, and prison terms established by the Alabama Code for leaving the scene of an accident.

Understanding the Legal Obligation in Alabama

Alabama Code § 32-10-1 establishes the fundamental duties of a driver involved in any motor vehicle accident. This statute is the foundation of a hit-and-run charge. Essentially, if your vehicle is involved in a crash resulting in injury, death, or damage to another vehicle or attended property, you are legally required to take specific, immediate actions:

• Stop and Remain: The driver must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene or as close to it as possible and remain until all statutory duties are fulfilled.
• Exchange Information: Provide your name, address, vehicle registration number, and upon request, exhibit your driver’s license to any person injured or to the driver/occupant of the other vehicle.
• Render Reasonable Aid: If anyone is injured, the driver must provide reasonable assistance, including making arrangements for the transportation of the injured person to a medical expert for treatment.
• Report the Accident: The accident must be reported to local law enforcement if it involves injury, death, or significant property damage.

Hit and Run Sentencing Guidelines: Misdemeanor vs. Felony

In Alabama, the criminal classification of a hit-and-run charge is the deciding factor for the sentencing guidelines. The law clearly differentiates between accidents involving only property damage and those involving injury or death, as outlined in Alabama Code § 13A-5-6 and § 13A-5-7.

Case 1: Property Damage Only (Class A Misdemeanor)

If a driver leaves the scene of an accident where the only result is property damage—such as damage to another vehicle or a fixed object—the charge is a Class A misdemeanor.

Class A Misdemeanor Penalties (Property Damage)

Type of Penalty	Sentence/Fine Range (Maximum)	Relevant Statute
Jail Time	Up to 1 year	Ala. Code § 13A-5-7
Fine	Up to $6,000	Ala. Code § 13A-5-7

Case 2: Injury or Death (Class C Felony)

This is the most severe hit-and-run charge. If the accident results in injury to or the death of any person, leaving the scene is a Class C felony. This classification carries a much greater risk of substantial prison time and higher fines, reflecting the state’s commitment to holding drivers accountable for the well-being of others.

Class C Felony Penalties (Injury or Death)

Type of Penalty	Sentence/Fine Range (Maximum)	Relevant Statute
Imprisonment	1 year and 1 day to 10 years	Ala. Code § 13A-5-6
Fine	Up to $15,000	Ala. Code § 13A-5-6

Collateral Consequences of a Hit and Run Conviction

Beyond the criminal verdict of fines and imprisonment, a conviction for leaving the scene of an accident carries several long-term collateral consequences that can severely impact a person’s life.

Other significant repercussions include:

• Criminal Record: A felony conviction (Class C) creates a permanent criminal record that affects future employment, housing applications, and professional licensing.
• Civil Liability: Victims of the accident can—and often do—file a civil lawsuit to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A fleeing driver may also be subject to punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct, such as fleeing a serious crash.
• Insurance Rates: A conviction will almost certainly lead to a substantial increase in auto insurance premiums, if not outright policy cancellation.

Summary of Alabama Hit and Run Verdicts

The best course of action when involved in any accident is always to stop and remain at the scene to fulfill your legal duties. Fleeing only compounds the situation, turning a civil matter into a criminal prosecution with harsh sentencing possibilities. The key points to remember regarding Alabama’s hit and run law are:

1. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,000 fine.
2. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a Class C felony, punishable by 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.
3. A judge has wide discretion in sentencing, which can be influenced by aggravating factors like a DUI or prior offenses.
4. Conviction results in the mandatory revocation of the offender’s driver’s license, alongside potential civil liability for punitive damages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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