By Jude 
When you get a hit-and-run charge, it implies that you are suspected of fleeing the site of an accident without stopping to help anyone who could be hurt or give them your information. It’s a serious accusation that may get you fined, have your license suspended, or even put you in jail. A lot of people don’t know this, but just because you are charged doesn’t imply you are guilty. What you do next could change everything.
In a city like Houston, where traffic is constant and accidents happen daily, hit-and-run cases are taken especially seriously. Texas law requires drivers involved in any crash (even minor fender-benders) to stop and provide information. Failing to do so can quickly turn a bad day into a criminal case. That’s why it’s so important to know your rights and act fast if you find yourself in this situation.
If you’re facing charges, you’ll want experienced defense against hit-and-run charges in Houston. A good lawyer who knows how local courts and police work can help you keep your freedom and your record clean. The sooner you receive legal help, the less likely you are to get heavy punishments or be wrongfully convicted.
Read on to learn what steps to take, how to safeguard your rights, and what mistakes to avoid after a hit-and-run charge.
What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Charge
When police accuse you of a hit-and-run, things move fast. You might get a call from an officer or a notice in the mail. Either way, stop talking and start protecting yourself. Anything you say can be used against you later.
Under Texas Transportation Code §550.021, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony. Even if the crash caused only property damage, §550.022 still requires you to stop and exchange information.
The penalties vary:
- Property damage only: up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
- Injury involved: up to 5 years in prison.
- Serious injury or death: up to 10 years in prison.
That’s why every word and action matters once an accusation appears.
Step 1: Stay Silent and Call a Lawyer
If the police reach out, don’t try to explain what happened. You might think you can clear things up, but investigators already have their version of events. Instead:
- Ask for your lawyer.
- Don’t answer questions about the crash.
- Avoid discussing it with anyone else.
Even innocent people can make small mistakes that sound like admissions of guilt. A defense attorney can guide you through interviews or help you avoid them entirely.
Step 2: Gather Evidence Early
The longer you wait, the harder it gets to find proof. Secure anything that can help your side of the story:
- Dashcam or security footage (from nearby businesses or homes).
- Witness names and contact details.
- Vehicle records showing who was driving or where your car was.
If your car was stolen, borrowed, or you didn’t know an accident happened, this evidence can make or break your defense.
Step 3: Understand What Prosecutors Must Prove
The state must show that you:
- Were involved in a crash.
- Knew about it or should have known.
- Intentionally left without giving help or information.
They don’t have a case if they can’t prove those three points beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense lawyer can challenge weak evidence, like blurry footage, mistaken identity, or unreliable witnesses.
Step 4: Protect Your Driving Record
If you are found guilty, you could lose your license, pay more for insurance, and have a permanent mark on your record. A plea deal without a plan can have long-term consequences, even if the charges appear small. Talk to your lawyer about:
- Deferred adjudication (avoiding conviction through probation).
- Record sealing or expungement later on.
- License reinstatement options after suspension.
Step 5: Learn From the Process
Hit-and-run laws in Texas are strict, but they also recognize that accidents can happen without intent. Many cases involve confusion, fear, or panic, rather than intentional wrongdoing. If you act quickly and get legal guidance, you have a real chance to protect your rights and move forward with your life.
Final Thoughts
A hit-and-run charge doesn’t have to define you. Mistakes happen, and fear can make people react in ways they never thought they would. What matters now is how you respond. Acting fast, staying quiet, and working with a lawyer who understands Texas law can keep the situation from getting worse. Houston courts take these cases seriously, but they also listen when you have a strong defense and the right evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t talk without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used later.
- Know the law. Texas Transportation Code §§550.021–550.022 sets strict rules for drivers after a crash.
- Gather evidence early. Dashcam footage, witnesses, and vehicle records help your defense.
- Challenge weak claims. Prosecutors must prove intent—that you knowingly left the scene.
- Protect your record. Ask about probation, expungement, or ways to reduce penalties.