Most people think only of civil liability when they consider the consequences of causing a car accident. However, there can be criminal charges in certain cases – including hit and run cases. Read on to learn what the definition of this type of crime is and how you can fight it. Then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The definition of a hit and run
A hit and run is a crime in which the actual accident is not the crime but rather the action a person took after an accident. In most cases, a hit and run involves a person not stopping when in a car accident, refusing to provide ID, or not offering assistance to a person that was injured in the accident. Most hit and run cases involve a car hitting another car but they can also involve a car hitting a person walking, a person on a bike, a parked car, or any stationary property.
Potential hit and run penalties
There are some stiff laws on the books regarding hit and run accidents. The venues will vary by state but in California this is a wobbler offense. That means that the prosecution can decide if it should be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Which you will be charged with depends on the facts of the case, your criminal history, and other factors.
If your collision resulted in someone’s death or a significant injury then it is likely you will be facing felony hit and run charges. Even if you do not injure someone but cause a significant amount of property damage, you could be facing a felony charge. In most cases, you can count on being charged with a misdemeanor if you did not injure anyone.
Whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, you could be facing jail and fines. In California, a felony conviction can result in four years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor then the charged can be six months in jail and fines of as much as $1,000. There is also the potential to be charged with additional crimes such as vehicular manslaughter.
You could be facing other consequences
As we mentioned above, most car accidents involve civil liability and even though hit and run accidents often lead to criminal charges, that does not mean that there are no civil consequences. In addition to being charged with a crime, the driver could also face a civil lawsuit brought by any other party in the accident. Auto insurance premiums are sure to go up and there are likely to be penalties from DMV.
As you can see, the potential consequences for a hit and run accident are significant. This is not something you should not face on your own. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation today.
