A California Criminal Defense Attorney Explains Hit and Run Charges and How to Fight Them

When does an automobile accident turn into a hit-and-run? You must make an effort to get in touch with the owner of any property destroyed in an automobile accident in California. A hit-and-run occurs when someone flees the scene without attempting to make contact. If you’re ever unfortunate enough to be in a traffic accident, make sure you know what to do because the penalties you could receive are serious.

If you have been accused of or charged with hit and run, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.

Avoiding Hit-and-Runs

To avoid hit and run charges, you must follow certain procedures if you operate a vehicle involved in an accident that damages either people or property. Following a collision, you should always:

  • Make an effort to track down the owners of any more vehicles or properties involved
  • Be prepared to provide the owner(s) of any damaged property with a copy of your license and registration
  • If you are operating a business vehicle, let people know the owner’s name and address as well as any corporate names
  • If you can’t find the property owner, leave a message with your name, address, and contact information

If you leave the site of the accident without doing these things, you risk being charged with hit and run. Allegations can result from even briefly leaving and intending to return.

Damage Must Be Done in a Criminal Hit and Run

You must be involved in a motor accident that causes damage or injuries in order to be prosecuted with a hit and run crime. Damage might occur to traffic signs, railings, benches, or other fixtures and property in addition to another vehicle. No matter how slight the damage, leaving the scene without making an effort to contact the property owner can lead to a hit and run charge. When in doubt, it is usually wise to at least leave a note.

When Someone Is Hurt, Hit-And-Run Is a Felony

A prosecutor in California has the option of charging hit-and-run as a felony or misdemeanor. Only if someone was hurt in the collision are felony charges possible. Therefore, it is not necessary for the injury to be serious; only that an injury happened is sufficient.

For a felony hit-and-run, the following sentence is possible: up to four years in state prison, $10,000 in fines, and the cost of correcting any injuries or property damage you caused. You may also be charged with vehicular manslaughter if someone dies as a result of a hit-and-run collision. If found guilty of these more serious offences, heavier punishments may apply.

It is a misdemeanor to flee the scene of an accident that only resulted in property damage and no injuries to people. The maximum punishment for misdemeanor hit-and-run is up to a year in county prison, a fine of $1,000 to $10,000, paying for the repair of any property damage you caused, and your driving record will be updated with two points.

The specifics of your case and your criminal background will determine the extent of your punishment. For hit-and-run offenses, California judges typically have the discretion to impose summary probation rather than a jail sentence.

Contact an Attorney if You Are Facing Charges

Are you facing criminal charges as a result of a hit-and-run accident in California? Your freedom can be fought for by Chambers Law Firm. Call us at 714-760-4088 or send an email to dchambers@clfca.com to make an appointment for a no-cost consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team.

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