CALIFORNIA LAW
HIT and RUN ACCIDENTS
Leaving the Scene · Charge · Arrest

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

When an Accident Becomes 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 CALIFORNIA LAW. In California, 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 California Hit and Run.

The California Law regarding Hit and Run has no exceptions. The types of accidents that are eligible for Hit and Run charges range from simple fender benders on parked, unoccupied vehicles to accidents involving death or serious injury.

TYPES of ACCIDENTS	HIT and RUN?
Car accident or other moving motor vehicle collision		Yes
Bicycle or pedestrian accident		Yes
Damage to parked or unoccupied motor vehicle or property		Yes
Accidents occurring on your property or in front of your home		Yes
Collisions that you believe are not your fault		Yes
Accidents involving death or serious bodily injury		Yes
Damage to property by your vehicle when you are not the driver		Yes

WHY DRIVER DOCUMENTATION IS IMPORTANT.  The best way to avoid a California Hit and Run charge is to stop after an accident or collision and immediately exchange your driver documentation. If the damaged property is unoccupied, leaving a visible note with your contact information and facts surrounding the case is acceptable. In all cases, the police must be notified!

HIT AND RUN CHARGES - MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY?  California 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 California 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 California 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."

In either case, misdemeanor or felony, a California criminal defense attorney is needed to ensure your best possible Hit and Run defense.

PENALTIES FOR A HIT AND RUN CONVICTION
Depending on whether a hit & run misdemeanor or hit & run felony is charged, penalties for hit 'n run range from no jail time (plus fines and restitution) to one year in jail and, with more serious cases, time in California state prison.

HIRING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY
The attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates are experienced in defending California Hit and Run cases. For first time offenders, Mr. Rodriguez' clients rarely serve jail time. In some cases, Stephen works 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.

If you have been involved in a California Hit and Run accident, please call the criminal defense attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates to discuss the facts that surround your case.

Please contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION

Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez
Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez
633 West 5th Street
26th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071

Telephone
(213) 223-2173