Scottsdale Hit and Run Lawyer

Trusted Hit and Run Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ

Whether a crash occurred on Scottsdale Road, in Old Town Scottsdale, or another area, a hit and run accident can quickly become a serious legal matter. Arizona’s hit and run laws require drivers to stop, exchange information, and report the accident. Leaving without fulfilling these obligations can leave you with criminal charges. If you have been involved in a hit and run, it is important to reach out to a Scottsdale hit and run lawyer as soon as possible.

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm: Work With a Skilled Scottsdale Hit and Run Attorney

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, our team takes the time to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, analyze evidence, and thoroughly review the prosecution’s case. This allows us to build a strategic defense that protects our clients’ futures.

We have more than 20 years of experience in criminal defense and have received several awards for our work. In 2025, we were recognized as a top-rated lawyer by Avvo, named among the top 100 trial lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers, and have received the rating of AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

What Are Arizona’s Hit and Run Laws?

The moments after a collision are some of the most stressful moments of your life. Many people are overwhelmed by shock or fear, which is the reason many individuals hit and run. However, this does violate Arizona’s hit and run laws.

Arizona Revised Statutes §28-661 outlines the penalties for a driver who is convicted of a hit and run that causes injury or death. Under this law, failing to stop and comply with legal requirements after a crash causing injury or death could be either a Class 5 felony, a Class 3 felony, or even a Class 2 felony, depending on how severe the injury is and whether they caused the crash.

Arizona Revised Statutes§28-662 applies to hit and run cases involving property or vehicle damage only. This offense is a class 1 misdemeanor.

These hit and run laws apply regardless of whether the collision involved another driver, a piece of property, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or any other road user. When it comes to hit and runs, the victims are often pedestrians. In 2024, 25% of all pedestrian deaths occurred in a hit and run crash. Arizona has the fourth-highest hit and run pedestrian death rate in the country.

What You Should Do After a Hit and Run

If you are involved in a collision, you should: 

• Stop
• Remain at the scene
• Provide identifying information
• Provide reasonable aid to any injured victims
• Contact the police if there is significant property damage or any injuries

However, many people don’t complete these steps. If you left the scene after an accident, the first thing you should do is speak with a Scottsdale hit and run lawyer. They can help you whether you have not yet been identified, are under investigation, or have been arrested. Avoid speaking with law enforcement about the case until you have met with a lawyer.

Potential Defenses in a Hit and Run Case

A hit and run charge does not automatically mean that you are going to be convicted. You do have the opportunity to present evidence, arguments, witness statements, and other relevant information that can help you achieve outcomes such as reduced charges, dismissed charges, or not guilty verdicts. 

The right defense strategy depends on several factors and may involve multiple different techniques. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:

• Argue that you did not know a collision occurred. If you were genuinely unaware that you struck another vehicle, person, or property, you may be able to challenge whether the prosecution can convict you, especially for a minor accident or an accident that occurred in unusual driving conditions. In this circumstance, lacking the required knowledge and intent to commit a crime may impact your case.
• Argue mistaken identity. It is possible for the at-fault driver in a hit and run to be misidentified. If you are being falsely accused, you may use evidence such as surveillance camera footage or witness statements to disprove the prosecutor’s claims. You may also use an alibi, which involves presenting evidence to prove that you were elsewhere when and where the accident occurred.
• Claim that you stopped and complied with the law. If you remained at the scene, exchanged information, or otherwise fulfilled your legal obligations under Arizona law, it is rare that you can be charged with a hit and run, but misunderstandings are still possible. To support this defense, you may use evidence such as exchanged information and communication records, surveillance footage, witness statements, or other evidence.
• Challenge whether there is sufficient evidence for a conviction. To be convicted, the prosecution must have enough evidence to prove each aspect of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are gaps or inconsistencies with their evidence, they may not be able to meet this burden of proof. Beyond simply examining their case for weaknesses, you may also be able to challenge the legality or reliability of certain evidence.

Reasons to Hire a Hit and Run Lawyer

Navigating a hit and run case alone can be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure about the legal process or your rights. Furthermore, attempting to handle your case alone may mean overlooking defense options that can help you achieve a more favorable outcome. Some of the most critical ways in which a Scottsdale hit and run lawyer can help you include:

• Defending your rights. Protecting your rights after an arrest and throughout a case should be a top priority. A lawyer can make sure you know what your rights and responsibilities are, such as what searches you are required to comply with and what you can refuse, and when to remain silent. A lawyer can also identify when your rights were violated in order to push back on police misconduct and stand up for your rights.
• Investigating your case. Law enforcement and prosecutors thoroughly investigate a hit and run case when preparing for a trial. A lawyer can conduct an independent investigation into your case, which is important for coming up with defense strategies and noticing errors and inconsistencies with the prosecution’s case.
• Building a defense strategy. Finding the right defense strategy is critical to achieving positive outcomes, but it is important to have a defense tailored to your case. A lawyer can create a customized defense strategy based on the available evidence, the prosecution’s case, and the circumstances of the offense.
• Advocating on your behalf. A lawyer can speak on your behalf and present your case in court. This can make sure that all communication with law enforcement or prosecutors is strategic, with less risk of accidental self-incrimination. They can also accurately present evidence and arguments in court. Finally, a lawyer advocates for you during negotiations with prosecutors, which often results in positive outcomes such as plea deals.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Used in a Hit and Run Case?

Prosecutors can use several types of evidence in a hit and run case, including:

• Surveillance camera footage
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Forensic evidence, such as vehicle debris

Regardless of the types of evidence a prosecutor uses, they must have sufficient evidence to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If you hire a hit and run lawyer, they can determine whether the prosecutor’s arguments are supported by sufficient evidence.

Do Cops Actually Investigate Hit and Runs?

Yes, police do investigate hit and run accidents, especially if the crash resulted in significant property damage, injuries, or death. Investigators often interview witnesses, collect physical evidence, review surveillance camera footage, and attempt to identify vehicles based on descriptions or license plate information. While many hit and runs are difficult to investigate due to limited evidence, many investigations do result in criminal charges.

What Are You Supposed to Do After an Accident?

If you are involved in an accident in Arizona, there are several steps you should take to avoid hit and run charges while also adhering to other Arizona laws. This includes stopping at the scene, providing identifying information and insurance information, calling 911 if emergency services are needed, and reporting the crash to law enforcement if it resulted in significant property damage or any injuries.

Can a Hit and Run Charge Be Dismissed in Arizona?

Yes, a hit and run charge can be dismissed in Arizona. However, this is not always possible and depends on the circumstances and the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. Potential defenses that may result in dismissal involve proving mistaken identity, arguing that there is insufficient evidence, or identifying errors in the facts of the prosecution’s case.

Work With an Experienced Scottsdale Hit and Run Attorney

After a hit and run in Scottsdale, you are likely feeling a whirlwind of emotions, from fear to worry. While you figure out your next steps, it is important to know that you do not need to go through this process alone. Contact the Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm today to work with a skilled attorney on your case.