Were you accused of leaving the scene after a DUI-related crash? A Hawthorne hit and run DUI lawyer can help you understand what’s ahead. The combination of charges for fleeing a crash and operating a vehicle while intoxicated can feel overwhelming, but you still have options.
Having a Hawthorne DUI lawyer on your side can make all the difference, and that’s what Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can help you figure out. For 19 years, we’ve put thousands of people in contact with attorneys who have experience handling cases like yours.
The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can begin giving you peace of mind during an otherwise difficult time in your life.
Understanding Hit and Run DUI Charges in California
Being accused of hitting another vehicle while under the influence and then fleeing the scene instead of staying on-site is a charge that California state laws treat with extreme seriousness. When impaired driving results in a collision, leaving the scene elevates the case beyond a typical DUI.
More specifically, California Vehicle Code 20001 requires drivers who are involved in a crash causing physical injury or property damage to remain at the scene, exchange information, and render aid if needed. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges on top of DUI penalties.
The Severity of Charges Can Vary
Being accused of a hit and run DUI means the state is likely treating your case as both a misdemeanor and a felony, depending on the circumstances. These factors all influence the severity of your pending charges:
- The types of injuries sustained by victims
- Any property damage caused by the collision
- Prior DUI convictions on your record
Facing these allegations can create immediate concerns about jail time, expensive fines, license suspension, and criminal records. However, even though the charge feels overwhelming, every element must be proven in a court of law.
Law enforcement must establish that a collision occurred, that you were involved, and that you left the scene. Your Hawthorne hit and run DUI lawyers will look at all parts of this process when mounting a defense on your behalf.
How Investigations Work in Hawthorne Hit and Run Cases
Hit and run cases often involve intense and in-depth investigations. Police will collect accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle data to determine who was at fault.
For cases in which alcohol or drugs are suspected to be involved, investigators will rely on chemical tests, field sobriety evaluations, and observations from responding officers. Many people facing these charges are unaware of how quickly evidence is gathered and documented.
Why Acting Quickly Is Crucial
You might accidentally limit your ability to challenge how the investigation was conducted if you wait too long to retain representation from hit and run DUI attorneys in Hawthorne.
These matters can all be used to your advantage when reviewing the case with a lawyer:
- Inconsistencies in witness statements
- Errors in accident reconstruction
- Improperly administered chemical tests
Investigators will likely also assess whether your injuries were caused by the collision or other factors. An attorney familiar with hit and run DUI cases can carefully review police reports, photographic evidence, and witness testimony on your behalf.
In doing so, they will keep an eye out for weaknesses or errors. This step is important, especially before any negotiation or plea discussions with the prosecutor take place.
Potential Consequences for Hit and Run DUI Offenders
The penalties for a hit and run DUI in California are serious as is, but they also increase based on the presence of injuries, property damage, or prior convictions. With that in mind, you can end up facing fines, probation, DUI education programs, and jail time for a misdemeanor.
If injuries or death resulted from the crash, felony charges might apply instead. These coincide with much longer prison sentences, heavier fines, and an extended probation period. In addition to criminal penalties, administrative actions by the DMV can also impact your driving privileges.
License suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, and mandatory DUI courses are all examples of possible outcomes. Repeat offenders or cases that involve aggravating factors face even stricter consequences.
Defending Against Hit and Run DUI Allegations
Your Hawthorne hit and run DUI lawyer’s responsibility of defending you against your charges requires them to carefully review the facts of your case. Your lawyer will likely start by figuring out if the collision actually meets the legal threshold for a hit and run.
From there, they will make sure the officer had probable cause while determining if any procedural errors occurred when you were getting arrested or being tested. Even minor mistakes by law enforcement can have major implications in building a defense.
Your lawyer will also carefully scrutinize chemical tests and field sobriety results. In many cases, attorneys will question calibration, timing, and the conditions under which tests were conducted. Any irregularities can help your lawyer influence negotiations or reduce the severity of penalties.
Call Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to Connect With Hawthorne Hit and Run DUI Attorneys
Hit and run DUI charges are considered very serious offenses, given the way they often cause intense physical injuries and major property damage. Handling these allegations without legal support can put your future at risk, but that’s what Hawthorne hit and run DUI lawyers are for.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can refer you to defense attorneys who routinely handle cases just like yours across the state of California. They know how to review accident reports, analyze witness statements, and use chemical test results to develop a strong defense on your behalf.
We encourage you to reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. If we can connect you with attorneys sooner rather than later, we’ll be able to give you access to legal assistance in a timely manner.
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