Driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident is a very serious crime in California. If you’re involved in a hit and run while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you could face both DUI charges and separate penalties for leaving the scene. A hit and run DUI lawyer in Fullerton will review your options.
The team at Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has supported thousands of people through criminal cases. Contact us today, and we’ll connect you with an experienced Fullerton DUI lawyer ready to fight for you.
How a Hit and Run DUI Lawyer in Fullerton Will Help
Facing a hit and run DUI charge in Fullerton is serious, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A skilled DUI lawyer can protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and work to reduce the impact on your future.
Here’s how a hit and run DUI attorney in Fullerton can help:
- Explain your charges and possible penalties: Your lawyer will break down what you’re being charged with and what the consequences could be.
- Investigate the facts: An attorney will review police reports, accident details, and witness statements to look for errors or weaknesses in the case against you.
- Challenge evidence: They may be able to challenge the results of field sobriety tests, breath tests, or blood tests if proper procedures weren’t followed.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: Your lawyer can work to get charges reduced or dismissed and may help you avoid harsh penalties through plea deals or diversion programs.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, your attorney will build a strong defense and speak on your behalf in front of the judge or jury.
- Protect your driving privileges: They can represent you at your DMV hearing to fight a license suspension.
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
What You Need to Know About DUI in California
Driving under the influence (DUI) in California means operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. For most drivers, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. However, lower limits apply to commercial drivers and anyone under 21.
California law makes it illegal to drive after using alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal drugs if they affect your ability to drive safely. If police suspect you of DUI, they may perform roadside sobriety tests. If you’re arrested, you’re legally required to take a breath or blood test.
If you’re charged with a hit and run DUI in Fullerton, a defense lawyer can review the details of your case (such as whether the traffic stop or arrest was legal and whether the sobriety tests were properly administered). In some cases, a lawyer may be able to reduce the charges or get them dropped.
DUI Penalties in California
DUI penalties vary based on your driving history and whether someone was injured. Even a first offense can come with serious consequences.
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Offense Type |
Penalties |
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First Offense |
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Second or Third Offense |
Extended DUI education |
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DUI Causing Injury |
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Repeat offenses or DUIs involving injuries are treated more harshly. California also has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of marijuana, even though it’s legal for adults to use it recreationally.
In addition to legal penalties, a DUI conviction can raise your insurance rates and stay on your driving record for years. Having the right lawyer can make a big difference in how your case is handled.
Understanding Hit and Run Laws in California
In California, you’re legally required to stop after any accident, whether or not you’re at fault. If you leave the scene without giving your information or helping anyone who’s hurt, it’s considered a hit and run. This applies even in minor collisions.
By law, you must stop right away, exchange contact and insurance information, and call 911 if anyone is injured. Failing to do so is a crime that can lead to serious consequences. If someone is hurt or killed, the penalties are much more severe. A hit and run conviction can also damage your driving record and raise your insurance costs.
If you’re accused of leaving the scene of an accident, speak with a lawyer. An experienced attorney may be able to show that you followed the law or that the police made a mistake. Trying to handle it alone could lead to long-term consequences.
Penalties for Hit and Run in California
There are two main types of hit and run charges:
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Type of Offense |
Charge |
Possible Penalties |
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Misdemeanor |
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Felony |
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Facing Both Hit and Run and DUI Charges
Being charged with both hit and run and DUI is a serious legal situation. If you’re accused of driving under the influence, causing a crash, and then leaving the scene, you could face two separate criminal charges.
These charges come with combined penalties, which can be much more severe than a DUI or hit and run alone. You could be looking at:
- Multiple years in prison
- Expensive fines
- A long suspension of your driver’s license
- Court-ordered rehab or alcohol education
- Sharp increases in your insurance rates or losing coverage entirely
If you’re in this situation, contact a Fullerton hit and run DUI attorney. An experienced lawyer can review your case and fight to reduce the impact on your future.
Get Connected With a Fullerton Hit and Run DUI Attorney Today
If you’re dealing with hit and run DUI charges, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to be put in touch with quality legal representation. We’ve been connecting clients with attorneys for nearly two decades, and are prepared to help you, too.
Call today to take the first step toward protecting your rights and building your defense.
