Can I Reduce My Hit-and-Run Charge in Wisconsin?

If you're facing a hit-and-run charge in Wisconsin, you're likely wondering whether there’s any chance to reduce the penalties. While hit-and-run is a serious offense, the legal outcome often depends on the facts of the case, the available evidence, and how early you seek help from a skilled defense lawyer.

At Bayer Law Offices, we work with clients throughout Milwaukee and the rest of Wisconsin to examine every detail of a case and determine the most effective strategy for reducing or challenging criminal charges. If you've been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, here’s what you should know about your options.

Understanding Wisconsin Hit-and-Run Laws

State law makes it a crime for drivers involved in an accident to leave the scene without stopping and exchanging information. According to Wisconsin Statute 346.67, any driver who’s part of a crash must do the following:

• Stop their vehicle close to the crash site
• Share their name, address, and vehicle registration with others involved
• Show a valid driver’s license upon request
• Help anyone who may be injured, including calling for emergency medical services if needed

Failing to follow these rules can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the outcome of the crash.

Legal Strategies That Could Help Your Case

Reducing a hit-and-run charge isn’t guaranteed, but there are several possible approaches that may help depending on your situation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can walk you through these options, which may include:

• Coming forward voluntarily: If you initially left the scene but later contact law enforcement and cooperate fully, this may be seen as a sign of accountability and could lead to more favorable treatment.
• Arguing lack of awareness: It’s possible to argue that you didn’t realize an accident occurred, especially in cases involving minor collisions or unclear circumstances. In Wisconsin, the law requires knowledge of the accident for a conviction, so proving you were unaware might reduce or dismiss the charge.
• Highlighting special circumstances: Some drivers leave accident scenes out of fear, confusion, or due to a medical emergency. While these aren’t excuses, they might explain your actions in a way that affects how the case is handled.
• Plea negotiation: A lawyer may be able to work with prosecutors to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge. This is more common in first-time cases or situations where no one was seriously injured.
• Entering diversion programs: Depending on the county and circumstances, there may be alternatives such as deferred prosecution or diversion programs. Successfully completing such a program could lead to charges being reduced or even dropped.
• Providing character evidence: A clean driving history, no prior criminal record, or documented community involvement might support the case for leniency.

No matter the direction your defense takes, the earlier you get legal representation, the better positioned you are to respond effectively.

What Is the Punishment for Hit-and-Run in Wisconsin?

Penalties for hit-and-run in Wisconsin depend on how serious the accident was. Here's a breakdown of potential outcomes:

• Crashes with only property damage: These are considered misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $1,000 and the possibility of up to 6 months in jail.
• Accidents that result in injury: These are Class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and a fine as high as $10,000.
• Incidents involving great bodily harm: These cases are treated as Class E felonies. If convicted, a person could face up to 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• If the accident causes a death: The charge becomes a Class D felony, which could result in up to 25 years behind bars and fines reaching $100,000.

These outcomes reflect how seriously Wisconsin courts treat leaving the scene of an accident—especially when someone has been hurt or killed.

How a Defense Lawyer Can Help

Building a strong defense starts with working with someone who knows the legal system inside and out. A skilled criminal defense attorney will:

• Review all the evidence, from police reports to witness statements and possible video footage
• Identify any weak points or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case
• Help you understand your legal rights and options at every stage of the process
• Represent you during any court appearances or negotiations
• Advocate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or a complete dismissal when possible

In some cases, your lawyer may recommend taking your case to trial if the evidence doesn’t support the charges. In others, it may make more sense to work out a resolution outside the courtroom. Either way, having a lawyer who’s committed to protecting your rights is crucial.

Contact Bayer Law Offices for Help in Milwaukee and Across Wisconsin

If you’ve been accused of a hit-and-run in Milwaukee or anywhere in Wisconsin, don’t wait to get legal help. The consequences can follow you for years, but with the right defense, your outcome may be much better than expected.

At Bayer Law Offices, we’re here to guide you through every step and fight for the best possible result. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn what options may be available in your case.