Hit and Run Attended
Washington law requires a driver who knows he or she has been involved in an accident with an occupied vehicle to stop and provide his or her name, address, license, insurance company, and insurance policy number. If a driver leaves the scene without providing this information, this charge could be filed. Hit and Run Attended is a gross misdemeanor.
The state must prove that the accused was aware of the accident. It is not necessary the driver be aware that the vehicle was occupied, even though this fact is what elevates the charge from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. If convicted of this section, your license will be revoked.
46.52.020
Hit and Run Unattended
Washington law requires a driver who knows he or she has been involved in an accident that damages property (this could be an unoccupied car or some other property) to stop and provide his or her name, address, license, insurance company, and insurance policy number. If a driver is leaves the scene without providing this information, this charge could be filed. Hit and Run Unattended is a simple misdemeanor. Your driver's license is not revoked upon conviction for Hit and Run Unattended.
46.52.010
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a serious crime. It is defined as driving with "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Conviction for this crime will also result in suspension of your license or privilege to drive for at least thirty days.
If you are charged with reckless driving, you should immediately hire an attorney to advise you of the best course of action.
46.64.500
Negligent Driving
-
Negligent Driving - First Degree
Negligent driving in the first degree can be charged when the police have evidence that a driver has operated a motor vehicle in a manner that is both "negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property and exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or an illegal drug." Negligent Driving in the first degree is a misdemeanor.
46.61.5249
-
Negligent Driving - Second Degree
Negligent driving in the second degree can be charged when the police have evidence that a driver has operated a motor vehicle in a manner that is both "negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property." Negligent Driving in the second degree is a non-criminal traffic infraction and is subject to a fine of $250.00.
46.61.525
Car Theft and TMV
Taking a motor vehicle (TMV) is charged when there is evidence that a suspect has knowingly taken or driven away another's motor vehicle without their permission.
This crime can be charged in the first and second degrees. If there is evidence that the suspect has stolen or driven a stolen car and also done something else, like alter the VIN, made preparations to sell the vehicle, or transport it out of state, the suspect may be charged with TMV in the first degree. If there is only evidence of taking or driving a stolen vehicle, the suspect may be charged with TMV in the second degree.
TMV in the first degree is a Class B felony, while TMV in the second degree is a Class C felony.
9A.56.070
9A.56.075
Vehicle Prowling
-
Vehicle Prowling - First Degree
Vehicle Prowling in the First degree is a Class C felony and can be charged when a person, with the further intent to commit a crime within, unlawfully enters a motor-home, motorboat, sailboat, or other recreational vehicle with sleeping quarters.
9A.52.095
-
Vehicle Prowling - Second Degree
Vehicle Prowling in the Second degree can be charged if the vehicle does not contain sleeping quarters or cooking facilities, and is a gross misdemeanor.
9A.52.100
< back to Seattle Criminal Defense Law
|
