In Georgia, leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run, is a crime that is charged when a motorist strikes another vehicle or stationary object, causes injury or property damage, and leaves the scene. If charged, the crime could be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending upon the circumstances. In most cases involving only property damage, the charge is a misdemeanor. However, this still comes with some expensive fines and fees, not to mention a jail sentence of up to 12 months. A felony charge carries stiffer penalties. In addition, an offending driver may be charged with the crime of first-degree vehicular manslaughter if someone is killed, which is a felony
The AJC reports that twin brothers have been killed in a hit-and-run collision on the downtown connector.
The crash occurred shortly before 5 a.m. last Wednesday near Edgewood Avenue.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, 21-year-old twin brothers were in a single-vehicle crash. They exited the vehicle to survey the damage done. This led to them stepping into traffic lanes to inspect the vehicle.
A Ford Explorer, allegedly driven by 25-year-old Jose Manuel Garcia-Trujillo, then struck the two brothers before fleeing the scene. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Police discovered the vehicle alleged to be involved in the accident later that morning near Interstate 85 and Piedmont Avenue. Garcia-Trujillo was arrested a short time later.
He is facing charges of homicide by vehicle, hit-and-run, and driving without a license. He was booked into the Fulton County Jail.
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