Is hit and run always a felony in Texas?

No. Some hit-and-run cases are misdemeanors, especially when the collision involved only property damage. Cases involving bodily injury or death can lead to far more serious charges, including felony charges.

How long does Texas have to file misdemeanor hit-and-run charges?

Texas generally has two years to file misdemeanor charges. That often applies to property-damage cases involving attended or unattended vehicles.

How long does Texas have to file felony hit-and-run charges?

Many felony hit-and-run charges are subject to a three-year limitations period. The exact answer depends on the offense and whether it falls into a special category under Texas law.

Is there a statute of limitations for fatal hit-and-runs in Texas?

Texas places a leaving-the-scene offense under Transportation Code § 550.021, when the collision resulted in death, in the no-limitation category. That means the usual felony deadline does not apply to that charge.

Can charges be filed even if no arrest happened right away?

Yes. Law enforcement may need time to identify the vehicle, investigate the driver, gather witness statements, and review video or physical evidence. A delayed arrest does not necessarily mean the case is over.

Blog

Latest

Your Rights in Texas When Your Employer is a Nonsubscriber to Workers’ Compensation

July 9, 2026 by Bailey & Galyen

Work Injuries

If you’ve been hurt at work in Texas, one of the first questions to ask is whether your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. That matters because your legal rights will look very different depending on whether...

Read Article

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run in Texas

July 9, 2026 by Bailey & Galyen

Blog

Your Rights in Texas When Your Employer is a Nonsubscriber to Workers’ Compensation

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Cases in Texas?

Family of Military Members Are Eligible for a Special Immigration Benefit

Payment of Child Support in Texas

When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?

What “Non-Subscriber” Actually Means in Texas and Why It Matters to Injured Workers

The Process of a Sexual Assault of a Child Case in Texas

How Bailey & Galyen Became the Official Law Firm Sponsor of the Texas Rangers

What Happens If Your Employer Fails to Report Your Workplace Injury

How Is Child Support Calculated in Texas? (2026 Guidelines Explained)

Schedule Your Free Case Review