The lawyers at Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers are experienced in defending hit and run offences.
SERIOUS CHARGES DEMAND
Leaving the scene of an accident occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident fails to stop, provide assistance, or exchange required details after the collision.
If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria, it is important to obtain legal advice immediately. Failing to stop after a traffic accident is a serious offence under Victorian law and may result in substantial fines, licence disqualification, or imprisonment depending on the circumstances.
At Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers, our experienced Melbourne traffic offence lawyers and criminal defence lawyers regularly represent drivers charged with leaving the scene of an accident, fail to stop offences, and serious road traffic offences throughout Victoria.
Our legal team carefully analyses the evidence, identifies possible defences, and develops a strategic defence aimed at achieving the best possible outcome in court.
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Leaving the scene of an accident occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident fails to stop, provide assistance, or exchange required details after the collision.
In Victoria, drivers have a legal obligation to stop and comply with certain duties after an accident. Failing to comply with those duties can result in a criminal charge under section 61 of the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).
This offence is commonly referred to as:
If police believe a driver has left the scene unlawfully, they may lay charges requiring the driver to attend the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Under section 61 of the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), a driver involved in an accident must:
If a person is injured or property is damaged and police are not present, the driver must report the accident to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
Failure to comply with these duties may result in a criminal charge for leaving the scene of an accident.
If police allege that you left the scene of an accident unlawfully, you may:
The seriousness of the offence will depend on the consequences of the accident.
Courts consider factors such as:
Yes. Failing to stop and comply with legal duties after an accident is an offence under section 61 of the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic).
If someone is injured or property is damaged and police are not present, the accident must be reported to a police station as soon as possible.
Penalties vary depending on the seriousness of the accident.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident – No Injury
Where no one is injured and only property damage occurs, penalties may include:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Injury Occurs
Where a person is injured, penalties increase significantly.
A driver may face:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Serious Injury or Death
Where a person is seriously injured or killed, the offence becomes much more serious.
Possible penalties include:
Courts are required to impose mandatory licence disqualification periods in many serious cases.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, there may be legal defences or evidentiary issues that can be raised.
Potential issues may include:
A criminal defence lawyer will carefully review the police evidence, witness statements, and accident circumstances before advising on the best defence strategy.
If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Victoria, you should:
Early legal advice can significantly affect the outcome of the case and the penalties imposed by the court.
Failing to stop is a traffic offence that occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident does not immediately stop their vehicle and comply with their legal obligations after the accident.
In Victoria, drivers are required by law under the Road Safety Act 1986 to stop if their vehicle is involved in an accident where:
After stopping, the driver must:
A driver who leaves the scene without stopping or without providing these details may be charged with failing to stop after an accident, which is sometimes referred to as a “hit and run” offence.
The seriousness of the offence depends on the consequences of the accident. Penalties can range from fines and licence disqualification to significant terms of imprisonment in serious cases involving injury or death.
Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers regularly represent drivers charged with traffic offences in Melbourne and throughout Victoria.
Our lawyers have extensive experience defending:
Our defence approach includes:
Our goal is always to protect your licence, reputation and future.
We assess the evidence, identify available defences, and develop a clear strategy to minimise penalties or avoid conviction where possible.
✔️ We will carefully listen to your story & support you
✔️ We will offer defense strategies to help you
✔️ We will advise you in plain-language, no legal jargon
✔️ We will minimise penalties and damage to your life where possible
✔️ We will offer the best legal representation in court
✔️ Clear, practical legal advice from experienced criminal defence lawyers
✔️ Strong representation in Melbourne courts from the outset
✔️ Strategic guidance tailored to your specific circumstances
✔️ Transparent communication at every stage of your matter
✔️ Proactive defence focused on minimising penalties and protecting your record
