Final answer:
Conviction of a hit and run causing death or injury usually results in sentencing by a judge according to legal guidelines, which could include imprisonment. Acquittal leads to release unless there are pending charges. In capital cases, the jury may decide on the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are convicted of a hit and run that causes death or personal injury, the legal consequences will depend on the jurisdiction, but typically, you will not be immediately released. Following a conviction, the judge will determine an appropriate sentence taking into account the law and specific facts of the case.
In the federal system, sentencing often follows established guidelines which assign point values to various offenses, aiding in the consistency of sentences across similar cases. If the defendant is found not guilty or acquitted, they would usually be released unless there are other pending charges, such as crimes in other jurisdictions.
When capital punishment is being pursued, the jury may be tasked to decide if the defendant should face the death penalty or life imprisonment based on the severity and circumstances of the offense.