Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 31-26-1, hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident is defined as the driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, but shall then immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3. A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
If convicted in a case were a person was injured, the penalties include mandatory loss of license for at least one year and not more than five (5) years and imprisonment for not more than five (5) years and/or fined up to five thousand dollars ($5,000).
If convicted in a case were a person was seriously injured, the penalties include by imprisonment for not less than one year and for not more than ten (10) years and by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The sentencing judge shall have the discretion to sentence the person to any unit of the adult correctional institutions. Additionally, the license of the person shall be revoked for a period of up to two (2) years. The license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize refusal to issue a license and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.
It is unclear how serious the woman’s injuries are. She was transported to the hospital from the scene of the accident.
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 11-5-2, assault with a dangerous weapon is felony assault. The weapon in this case is the motor vehicle. The penalties if convicted of felony assault include imprisonment for not more than twenty (20) years.
If you or a family member have been charged with drunk driving, hit and run or any driving related offenses, please contact Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at (401) 816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.