Adams County Hit and Run Defense Lawyer

Hit and run cases in Adams County often begin as routine accidents — and then escalate rapidly into criminal prosecutions.

Both attended-vehicle and unattended-vehicle cases carry a legal duty not only to stop, but also to report the accident to law enforcement. Failing to satisfy every statutory requirement can turn a traffic incident into a multi-charge criminal case with severe license, financial, and even jail consequences.

I represent drivers throughout Thornton, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Federal Heights, and surrounding Adams County municipalities.

The Two Most Common Hit and Run Scenarios in Adams County

1️⃣ Striking an Attended / Occupied Vehicle

This is the classic rear-end, intersection, or traffic-lane accident where another driver is present.

Colorado law requires the driver to:

• Immediately stop at or near the scene,
• Remain there,
• Provide identifying information,
• Render reasonable assistance if anyone is injured, and
• Report the accident to law enforcement when required.

Leaving the scene or failing to properly report exposes the driver to a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, often stacked with additional criminal charges.

2️⃣ Striking an Unattended Vehicle (Parking Lot Cases)

This is the most common Adams County hit and run scenario — backing into a parked car and leaving.

The law requires the driver to:

• Immediately stop,
• Either locate the owner or leave written notice with name, address, and registration number, and
• Report the accident to law enforcement.

Failing to stop, failing to notify the owner, or failing to report the accident each creates separate criminal exposure.

Restitution in Hit and Run Cases

In addition to criminal penalties, restitution is an issue in virtually every Adams County hit and run case, covering vehicle repairs, towing, rental expenses, and other pecuniary losses.

For many defendants, this financial exposure becomes one of the longest-lasting consequences of the case.

👉 For how restitution works — and how it can be challenged — see Restitution in Colorado Traffic Cases.

When a Hit and Run Becomes a DUI Investigation

Law enforcement frequently treats hit and run cases as suspected DUI investigations, particularly when:

• The incident occurs late at night,
• The driver is not immediately located, or
• Investigators rely on witness statements, observations of impairment, or nearby video footage — such as footage from bars, liquor stores, gas stations, or surrounding businesses.

It is common for these cases to evolve into DUI prosecutions once a suspect is identified.

👉 If alcohol or drugs are alleged, see Adams County DUI Lawyer.

What Not to Do: Reporting the Car as Stolen

One of the most damaging mistakes drivers make is reporting the vehicle as stolen after a hit and run.

This frequently results in new charges for:

• Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (felony), and
• False Reporting to Authorities (criminal offense).

What could have been a traffic case can instantly become a multi-count criminal prosecution.

FAQs – Adams County Hit and Run Charges

👉 Charged with other traffic offenses in Adams County?

See Adams County Traffic Lawyer – Brighton, Colorado for defense of speeding, careless driving, reckless driving, and license-related cases.

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How I Defend Adams County Hit and Run Cases

I focus on:

• Whether the state can actually prove who was driving,
• Whether statutory duties were truly violated,
• The timing and content of police contact,
• Video evidence and witness reliability, and
• Whether statements were lawfully obtained.

Many hit and run cases weaken significantly once the evidence is examined carefully.

👉 For a statewide overview of hit and run charges, including injury and fatal cases, see Denver Hit and Run Defense Lawyer – Protecting Drivers Across Colorado.

Adams County Courthouse – Directions & Location

Use the interactive map below for directions, parking, and courthouse navigation.

Call for a Free Consultation

A hit and run charge in Adams County can jeopardize your license, your finances, and your freedom.

📞 303-355-5148

You’ll speak directly with me — not staff or case managers.