California Hit and Run Lawyers Defending You Aggressively and Passionately
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If you leave the scene of an accident in California, you may be facing severe hit and run criminal charges. A Hit and Run Attorney Will Be Able To Represent Your Best Interests During These Pressing Times.
Typical car accidents are not usually considered criminal violations. Once you leave the scene of an accident, however, you have committed a crime. In California, every driver has the duty to report a vehicle accident under almost any circumstance. Our hit and run lawyers understand that when you are involved in an accident, you may get stressed out and extremely nervous and as a result you may simply drive off without thinking. Although this is an understandable decision under the circumstances, unfortunately it constitutes a crime under California law.
There are many reasons you may have left the scene. In a very light impact case there’s even the possibility you didn’t realize an accident had taken place. Our criminal lawyers have experience handling hit and run cases in California. We know all the situations that arise when an accident takes place. We also know our way around the California courts.
If you have been accused of a hit and run and are being investigated, now is the time to hire a criminal lawyer. Please read our pre-file page for more information on how a criminal attorney can defend you before charges are ever filed against you. When you are up against hit and run accusations or charges, you need a hit and run attorney with knowledge of the law and the experience to back it up.
Contact us any time, day and night for a free consultation to determine how our criminal law firm can help defend you.
California Hit and Run Laws Impose a Duty To Stop
When involved in an accident in California, there are a number of steps you must take. First you must locate the owner of the other vehicle and exchange documentation such as insurance, registration and driver license information. In the event that you cannot locate the owner of the vehicle, you must leave a note with your information on it. After these steps, you must immediately file a police report. Most importantly, if someone is injured, you must provide reasonable assistance and help attain medical attention in hopes to minimize any serious injuries. If these steps are not taken, you may be facing hit and run charges.
Potential Penalties and Sentences for Hit and Run Charges in California
Hit and Run charges are known as "wobblers" because they "wobble" between being classified as misdemeanors or felonies. The prosecution will look into the circumstances involved with the alleged crime in determining whether to charge the defendant with a misdemeanor or a felony. The decision is based on the extent of the accident, the amount of property damage, the seriousness of the injuries, and the defendant’s criminal history.
The majority of hit and run cases are misdemeanors and carry a typical sentence of up to 6 months in jail as well as fines and restitution. Misdemeanor hit and run charges usually involve accidents where there was little property damage and no injuries. Felony hit and run charges usually apply to accidents that result in serious bodily harm or death. These charges can result in several years in state prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
If you have been accused of hit and run or charged with hit and run, please contact our criminal defense law firm immediately for help.
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