Los Angeles Hit and Run Defense Attorney
When an Accident Becomes a Hit and Run
Hit and run accidents are the result of one party causing damage to another party's property or person and leaving the scene before producing the proper driver documentation. Hit and run charges can be both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the seriousness of the accident.
HIT AND RUN - KNOW THE LAW. By state law, the driver of any motor vehicle that has been involved in an accident or collision, regardless of the level of seriousness or extent of injury, must stop, find the owner of the damaged property and produce his or her driver documentation. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges for hit and run traffic offense.
DMV Vehicle Codes
Section 20002
When an accident results only in property damage (including motor vehicles), driver must stop and locate owner or person in charge and exchange driver documentation. If owner of damaged property cannot be located, the driver is not permitted to leave the scene of the accident until the following actions have been completed:
a) Leave a note with facts surrounding the case and driver documentation information;
b) Report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police
Sections 20001 20003 20004
Any accident that involves injury or death mandates the driver to perform all actions included in Section 20002 plus render reasonable assistance to the injured party or parties.
Driver documentation includes:
- Full name
- Valid license number and state of issuance
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Insurance carrier's name, address, telephone number and policy number
Hit and Run Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles
Hit and run charges can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the seriousness of the accident, extent of damage, and defendant's past criminal record.
Hit and Run Misdemeanor - For minor traffic accidents, such as fender benders and other minimal property damage with no physical injuries, a misdemeanor charge is the most likely assessment. According to state law, a hit and run Misdemeanor is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in property damage."
Hit and Run Felony - When hit and run results in bodily injury or death, a felony will be charged. According to state law, a hit and run felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident."
Penalties will range from no jail time (plus fines and restitution) to one year in jail and, with more serious cases, time in state prison.
The attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates are experienced in defending hit and run cases. For first time offenders, our clients rarely serve jail time. In some cases, we work out an agreement with the victim, Judge, and District Attorney, called a "civil compromise", which results in a dismissal of the defendant's criminal proceedings.
Contact a Los Angeles hit and run attorney at our office to discuss the facts that surround your case.