Richmond bicyclist killed in hit-and-run
On behalf of Coates & Davenport, P.C. | Jan 2, 2020 | Criminal Defense |
Richmond police made an arrest in the fatal hit-and-run of a bicyclist on Friday, December 20th. Authorities received a call at approximately 10:19 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found a man lying in the roadway in the 5500 block of Chesterfield Drive in the South Richmond area. He was identified and determined to be 52 years old. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers located the vehicle that struck him on Joplin Avenue. There, they arrested a 28-year-old woman. She was charged with felony hit and run resulting in death. In addition, it was discovered that she did not possess a valid driver's license.
In the state of Virginia, a hit-and-run accident that results in death is considered a Class 5 felony. It is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. The sentence may also include fines, restitution, and suspension of a driver's license. Since the driver in this accident did not have an operator's license, she could also face a separate charge of driving without a license, which would be a misdemeanor resulting in further potential jail time and fines.
Any party who has been involved in a hit-and-run accident should consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These are serious charges with serious consequences. Do not walk into a courtroom alone with such a sentence at stake. In addition, where death or personal injury has occurred, a defendant could be facing civil lawsuits by the injured party or family of the deceased. It is important to be prepared for a defense.
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