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PUNITIVE ARTICLES

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Article 134 – General article

Fleeing Scene Of Accident

Source: Internal (UCMJ) or external at constitution.org

The UCMJ is the derived source of this information.  The information below is for illustration and educational purposes only and may not reflect the most recent changes.  Please refer to your Legal Office or Area Defense Counsel for legal advice.

Text.

See Paragraph 60 (Article 134 - General Article).

Elements.

(1) Driver.

(a) That the accused was the driver of a vehicle;

(b) That while the accused was driving the vehicle was involved in an accident;

(c) That the accused knew that the vehicle had been in an accident;

(d) That the accused left the scene of the accident without (providing assistance to the victim who had been struck (and injured) by the said vehicle) or (providing identification);

(e) That such leaving was wrongful; and

(f) That, under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.

(2) Senior passenger.

(a) That the accused was a passenger in a vehicle which was involved in an accident;

(b) That the accused knew that said vehicle had been in an accident;

(c) That the accused was the superior commissioned or noncommissioned officer of the driver, or commander of the vehicle, and wrongfully and unlawfully ordered, caused, or permitted the driver to leave the scene of the accident without (providing assistance to the victim who had been struck (and injured) by the said vehicle) (or) (providing identification); and

(d) That, under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.

Explanation.

(1) Nature of offense. This offense covers “hit and run” situations where there is damage to property other than the driver’s vehicle or injury to someone other than the driver or a passenger in the driver’s vehicle. It also covers accidents caused by the accused, even if the accused’s vehicle does not contact other people, vehicles, or property.

(2) Knowledge. Actual knowledge that an accident has occurred is an essential element of this offense. Actual knowledge may be proved by circumstantial evidence.

(3) Passenger. A passenger other than a senior passenger may also be liable under this paragraph. See paragraph 1 (Article 77) of this Part.

Lesser included offenses. Article 80—attempts

Maximum punishment. Bad-conduct discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 6 months.

 







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