Being involved in a hit and run while driving under the influence is one of the most serious DUI-related charges someone can face in California. In these situations, the consequences go beyond standard DUI penalties and may include felony charges, extended jail time, and long-term damage to your record.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’ve spent decades helping people find the legal support they need after a DUI arrest. If you’re looking for a Garden Grove hit and run DUI lawyer, we can connect you with an attorney who focuses on this type of complicated criminal case.
We’ve worked with countless individuals who were caught in high-stress situations and made decisions in the moment that later had serious legal consequences. If you’re facing charges related to leaving the scene of an accident while under the influence, a Garden Grove DUI lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help prepare a defense.
When DUI and Hit and Run Charges Collide
In California, a DUI becomes far more serious if it’s connected to a hit and run. Prosecutors may charge both offenses separately, which means the penalties can add up quickly. In some cases, even a minor accident can escalate into a felony-level charge if the driver leaves the scene while impaired.
These are the most common factors that lead to hit and run DUI charges:
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or property damage: California law requires drivers to stop and exchange information.
- Driving under the influence at the time of the incident: This can be proven through blood alcohol content (BAC) tests, witness reports, or officer observations.
- Failure to report the accident: Not notifying authorities or insurance can strengthen the hit and run component.
When these charges are combined, they often carry harsher penalties than a DUI or hit and run alone. We help connect people with a hit and run DUI attorney in Garden Grove who understands how to challenge both sides of the case.
Penalties for a Hit and Run DUI in Garden Grove
The legal consequences of a hit and run DUI charge depend on the circumstances of the accident, whether injuries were involved, and the driver’s criminal history. But even first-time offenders can face steep penalties.
Potential consequences may include:
- Jail or prison time: Ranging from months in county jail to several years in state prison
- License suspension or revocation: Often for a minimum of one year
- Heavy fines and restitution: Covering both court costs and compensation for damages
- Probation and mandatory programs: Including DUI education and community service
- Permanent criminal record: Can impact employment, housing, and insurance rates
The attorneys we work with know how to approach these high-risk cases. A Garden Grove hit and run DUI attorney may be able to argue for reduced charges, negotiate alternative sentencing, or get parts of the case dismissed depending on the evidence.
How Legal Defense Can Help After a Hit and Run DUI
If you’ve been arrested for a hit and run DUI, the first step is understanding exactly what you’re being charged with and what the prosecution must prove. From there, a defense strategy can be built based on the unique details of your case.
The right legal help may involve:
- Reviewing how the stop and arrest were conducted: Any violations of your rights could affect the validity of the charges.
- Challenging BAC results: These tests aren’t always accurate or properly administered.
- Disputing witness testimony or evidence: This is particularly helpful when identity or timeline is unclear.
- Presenting mitigating factors: Examples include panic, fear, or confusion during the incident.
We know that no two DUI cases are alike. That’s why we connect people to a hit and run DUI law firm in Garden Grove that can focus on the specifics of their case, not just general strategies.
Our Role in Helping You Move Forward
For 19 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping people connect with DUI defense attorneys who understand the seriousness of these charges. The professionals we work with bring decades of combined experience and have represented thousands of individuals facing DUI, hit and run, and other related charges.
We’ve seen how quickly a single event can turn someone’s life upside down. That’s why we focus exclusively on DUI criminal defense and helping people get the guidance they need starting from the moment of arrest.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we make it easier for people in Garden Grove to find experienced legal help without the confusion or delays that can follow a DUI charge.
Get in Touch With a Hit and Run DUI Attorney in Garden Grove
Time matters after a hit and run DUI. Waiting too long to act could lead to missed deadlines for DMV hearings, a loss of evidence, or stronger cases for the prosecution. If you’ve been charged, taking immediate steps toward a legal defense is one of the most important decisions you can make.
We’re here to help you connect with a Garden Grove hit and run DUI lawyer who can evaluate your case and fight for a better outcome. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, legal guidance can be the difference between harsh penalties and a second chance.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’re committed to helping people get the defense support they need, especially when the charges involve serious allegations like a hit and run.