Chandler Hit and Run Lawyer
Hit and run charges arise when a driver leaves an accident scene without fulfilling legal duties—stopping, exchanging information, and rendering aid when injuries occur. Chandler’s busy roadways, parking areas at Chandler Fashion Center and commercial centers, and freeway corridors on Loop 101 and Loop 202 see numerous hit and run cases ranging from parking lot fender-benders to serious injury collisions. Penalties range from misdemeanor for property damage only to serious felony charges with years in prison for accidents involving injury or death.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Chandler facing hit and run charges.
→ For comprehensive Arizona hit and run information, see: Arizona Hit and Run Laws
Driver Duties After an Accident
Arizona law imposes specific duties on drivers involved in accidents:
Accidents Involving Death or Injury (ARS § 28-661)
- Immediately stop at the scene or as close as safely possible
- Remain at scene until all duties are fulfilled
- Exchange information: Name, address, vehicle registration, driver’s license
- Render reasonable assistance to injured persons—call 911, provide first aid if able
- Provide information to police if requested
Accidents Involving Property Damage Only (ARS § 28-662)
Same duties apply (stop, remain, exchange information) except the requirement to render medical aid.
Unattended Vehicle or Property (ARS § 28-664)
When you strike an unattended vehicle or fixed property:
- Stop immediately
- Attempt to locate the owner
- If unable to find owner: Leave a written note in conspicuous place with your name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, and brief statement of circumstances
Hit and Run Classifications and Penalties
Property Damage Only (ARS § 28-662)
Classification: Class 2 Misdemeanor
| Penalty | Maximum |
| Jail | 4 months |
| Fine | $750 |
| Surcharges | Additional 84% |
| Probation | Up to 2 years |
| Points | 6 on MVD record |
Injury Accident (ARS § 28-661)
Classification: Class 5 Felony
| Sentence (First Offense) | Range |
| Mitigated | 6 months |
| Presumptive | 1.5 years |
| Aggravated | 2.5 years |
| Probation | Eligible |
| Points | 6 on MVD record |
Fatal Accident (ARS § 28-661)
Classification: Class 3 Felony
| Sentence (First Offense) | Range |
| Mitigated | 2.5 years |
| Presumptive | 3.5 years |
| Aggravated | 8.75 years |
| Probation | May be unavailable |
| Points | 6 on MVD record |
Common Hit and Run Scenarios in Chandler
Parking Lot Incidents
Chandler’s retail areas generate many cases:
- Chandler Fashion Center — Backing into parked vehicles, door dings
- Commercial parking lots — Minor collisions in crowded areas
- Unable to locate vehicle owner after striking parked car
- Leaving note that blew away or was removed
Freeway and High-Speed Accidents
Major roadways through Chandler:
- Loop 101 (Price Freeway) — Sideswipes and merging incidents
- Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) — Multi-vehicle accidents
- Fear of stopping in fast traffic leads to leaving scene
- Confusion about safe stopping locations
DUI-Related Hit and Run
Some drivers leave to avoid DUI investigation:
- Doesn’t prevent DUI charges if identified
- Adds hit and run charges to potential DUI
- May demonstrate consciousness of guilt
- Creates additional complications
Why People Leave Accident Scenes
Understanding reasons helps build effective defenses:
- No knowledge of accident — Genuinely didn’t feel or perceive impact
- Panic and fear — Especially if alcohol, drugs, or warrants involved
- No visible damage perceived at the time of incident
- Traffic danger — Location unsafe to stop on freeway
- Fear of confrontation with other driver
- Medical emergency — Needed to reach hospital immediately
- Immigration concerns — Fear of documentation issues
- Outstanding warrants — Fear of arrest for unrelated matters
What to Do If You Left a Scene
Immediate Steps
If you’ve already left:
- Contact an attorney before speaking to police
- Don’t destroy evidence (dashcam, phone records)
- Document your recollection of events
- Preserve your vehicle in current condition
- Consider potential benefits of self-reporting
Self-Reporting Considerations
Turning yourself in may help but:
- Consult attorney first
- Statements can be used against you
- May demonstrate acceptance of responsibility
- Doesn’t guarantee leniency
- Timing matters
Defense Strategies
No Knowledge of Accident
Complete defense if you genuinely didn’t know an accident occurred:
- Minor impact not felt or heard in vehicle
- Road noise masked any contact sound
- No indication of collision at the time
- Damage discovered later with no knowledge of when it occurred
Emergency or Duress
Leaving was necessary under circumstances:
- Location was dangerous to stop (freeway, unsafe area)
- Threatening other driver created fear
- Medical emergency required immediate action
- Moved to nearby safe location and then reported
Intent to Comply
You intended to fulfill duties but circumstances prevented:
- Moved to safe location with intent to return
- Made reasonable efforts to find unattended vehicle owner
- Left note that was subsequently removed
- Reported accident to police within reasonable time
Challenging Identification
Prosecution must prove you were the driver:
- Witness identification unreliable or inconsistent
- Surveillance footage unclear
- Vehicle description doesn’t match
- Multiple people had access to vehicle
Professional Consequences in Chandler
Security Clearance Impact
Hit and run creates criminal record with security implications:
- Must be disclosed on all security questionnaires
- Demonstrates poor judgment in crisis decision-making
- Felony hit and run especially damaging to clearance status
- Pattern of avoiding responsibility concerns security officials
- Flight from responsibility raises integrity questions
Employment Consequences
Criminal record affects employment:
- Background checks reveal conviction
- May affect positions requiring driving responsibilities
- Felony significantly limits career opportunities
- Professional reputation in community damaged
- Technology sector employers scrutinize criminal history
Insurance Ramifications
Hit and run affects insurance status:
- Premium increases likely for years
- May be classified as high-risk driver
- Some insurers may cancel coverage entirely
- SR-22 filing may be required
Civil Liability
Beyond criminal charges:
- Victim can sue for damages
- Insurance may not cover if you fled
- Personal assets at risk
- Judgment can follow you for years
Chandler Courts
Chandler Municipal Court
Location: 200 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: (480) 782-4900
Handles misdemeanor hit and run (property damage only).
Southeast Regional Superior Court
Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Handles felony hit and run (injury or death).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hit and run a felony in Arizona?
Property-damage-only hit and run is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. Hit and run involving injury is a Class 5 Felony. Involving death is a Class 3 Felony with potential years in prison.
What if I didn’t know I hit something?
Lack of knowledge is a complete defense. If you genuinely didn’t know an accident occurred, this directly challenges the charges.
Should I turn myself in after leaving a scene?
Consult an attorney first. Turning yourself in may help with negotiations but creates opportunities for statements against you.
What if I hit a parked car and can’t find the owner?
You must stop, attempt to find the owner, and if unable, leave a written note with your name, address, phone number, registration, and brief statement of circumstances.
Can hit and run charges be reduced?
Yes. Depending on circumstances, felony charges may be reduced to misdemeanors, or charges may be dismissed entirely.
Will I go to prison for hit and run?
For property damage only, prison isn’t possible—jail only, up to 4 months maximum. For injury accidents, prison is possible but probation may be available for first offenders. For fatal accidents, prison is likely though the range depends on circumstances and criminal history.
Contact a Chandler Hit and Run Defense Attorney
Hit and run charges carry consequences ranging from misdemeanor records to years in prison for serious injury or fatal accidents.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing hit and run throughout Chandler.
Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation.