Did you crash into another driver’s car while under the influence and then flee the scene in a panic? Unfortunately, hit and run collisions that involve a DUI element are not taken lightly under California state laws, but this doesn’t mean you should keep running from the situation.
Leaving the scene of an accident after driving under the influence not only means you violated traffic laws, but you’ll also be viewed as having jeopardized the safety and well-being of others.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what you’re up against, but you’re not alone.
If you’re in this predicament right now, a Downey DUI lawyer can listen to your side of the story and help you understand your options. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have decades of experience connecting people with Downey hit and run DUI lawyers who can help.
Definition of Hit and Run DUI in California
A hit and run DUI occurs when a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is involved in a traffic collision and then leaves the scene without fulfilling their required legal obligations.
These obligations include:
- Stopping at the scene of the crash
- Providing other parties with contact information
- Exchanging details regarding insurance companies
- Rendering aid to injured parties if necessary
California Vehicle Code § 20001 specifically addresses hit and run incidents involving injury or death, while § 20002 covers hit and run cases that only involve property damage. Charges of this nature are enhanced because the driver operated while impaired and fled the scene.
The Legal Elements of a Hit and Run DUI Case
To convict a driver of a hit and run DUI charge in California, prosecutors must prove the following specific legal elements:
- The driver was involved in a collision that resulted in injury, death, or property damage.
- The driver knew or should have known about the collision.
- The driver failed to stop at the scene and provide the required information or assistance.
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision.
The prosecution’s burden is to establish these elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Meanwhile, your hit and run DUI lawyers in Downey will be tasked with the responsibility of defending you against their allegations and fighting for a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Penalties for Hit and Run DUI in Downey
Penalties for hit and run DUI offenses in Downey depend on the severity of the incident, prior criminal history, and whether injuries or fatalities occurred. Let’s take a look at potential consequences for those convicted of hit and run DUI charges:
- Jail or prison time: For misdemeanor DUI cases with property damage, penalties may include up to one year in county jail. For felony charges involving injuries if not death, state prison time ranging from several years to decades may be imposed instead.
- Fines and restitution: Courts can impose fines ranging from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands dollars. This does not include restitution payments to victims who sustained property damage, incurred medical costs, and faced other losses as a direct result of the collision.
- Probation: People convicted of these charges can be placed on probation with strict conditions, including abstaining from alcohol, attending DUI programs, and reporting to probation officers on a regular basis.
- License suspension or revocation: Drivers convicted of hit and run DUI charges often face lengthy license suspensions, sometimes lasting multiple years at a time. The California DMV can also impose administrative suspensions independent of court rulings.
- Ignition interlock device (IID): Installation of an IID is typically required following a DUI conviction, including those involving hit and run.
The combination of DUI and hit and run significantly increases the severity of penalties compared to DUI alone. That’s why it’s crucial to contact hit and run DUI lawyers in Downey to defend your rights and represent you throughout the entire legal process.
Call Los Angeles DUI Lawyer For Information About How To Meet Downey Hit and Run DUI Attorneys Who Can Represent You
Hit and run DUI cases are particularly serious due to the risks posed to others in the process of fleeing the scene after causing a collision, not to mention the legal consequences. If you are in a situation like this, it’s time to contact Downey hit and run DUI lawyers who can assist.
If you or someone you love drove away while under the influence after crashing into another car, reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for more information about your options.
We have been connecting people with skilled defense attorneys for nearly 20 years, and we may be able to help you.
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