A hit and run DUI is a serious offense, and if you are facing these charges, you may be overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what’s ahead.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have been working for 19 years to help people facing all kinds of DUI charges get connected with legal representation. A Laguna Niguel DUI lawyer can provide essential legal help, support, and guidance. Below, we’ll go over what comes after a hit and run DUI investigation or charge, and how legal help can be essential.
What Steps Should I Take After a Hit and Run in Laguna Niguel?
If you have found yourself in a DUI hit and run incident, here are the steps that we recommend that you take:
- Call 911, file, and get a DUI police report.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Collect and preserve as much evidence as possible.
- Get legal representation when discussing details with law enforcement or insurance companies.
- Don’t discuss the situation with friends, family, coworkers, in person or on social media.
- Talk to a lawyer if you haven’t already done so.
Every case is different, but having a Laguna Niguel hit and run attorney on your side, no matter what you are facing, can be helpful with every step, from collecting evidence to representing you in a trial if needed.
Will My Charge be a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
Whether your charge is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the specific circumstances. One important factor that is looked at is the type of damage and how serious those damages were; additionally, your criminal history will also impact things. But in general, here’s what you can expect in California.
When there is only property damage with a hit and run, it typically falls under California Vehicle Code § 20002 and is a misdemeanor charge. When the accident results in injury or death, it falls under California Vehicle Code § 20001, which can be charged as a felony.
If alcohol or drugs are involved, additional charges such as California Vehicle Code § 23152 or California Vehicle Code § 23153 may also apply, increasing the severity of the penalties.
What Penalties Could I Face For a Hit and Run DUI?
It’s important to note that a hit and run and DUI are their own set of charges and come with their own penalties. The penalties you could face will depend on the specifics of the accident and DUI, your criminal history, and whether the charge ends up being a felony or misdemeanor.
With that being said, here are some general penalties that come with a hit and run DUI:
Fines
Total fines for a hit and run DUI can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the charge (felony vs. misdemeanor), the damages, and the details of the case.
Jail or Prison Time
There may also be jail and prison time involved. Misdemeanor DUI convictions in California can carry up to six months to one year in county jail, while felony DUIs can result in several months to four or more years in prison.
Criminal History
A DUI conviction in California creates a permanent criminal record, which can show up on background checks and impact job opportunities, housing, and more.
Probation
Probation can come with any degree of these charges, sometimes lasting several years. Having to live by these strict terms can be extremely limiting for your overall life.
Mandatory DUI Programs
Court-ordered alcohol education courses are required and can be several months long, depending on the offense and prior record.
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
You may have to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, something that can be expensive and inconvenient.
Losing Driving Privileges
You may lose your driving privileges, with a suspension that is temporary, or in severe cases, your license may be revoked altogether.
Impact on Your Personal and Professional Life
Having a DUI and hit and run charge can have a severe impact on your personal life, impacting your relationships with friends and family, especially if you have to spend time away from them. Along with your personal life, you may find your career and job impacted as well.
As you can see, there are several penalties that can come with these cases. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this by yourself. Speaking with a qualified attorney can help you work toward understanding what you may be facing and your legal options.
What Defenses Are Generally Available for Hit and Runs?
Just like the penalties, defenses will also vary quite a bit from one case to another. In general, though, you can expect most of these angles for defenses:
- Lack of knowledge that an accident occurred.
- Mistaken identity or insufficient evidence.
- No actual damage or injury resulted from the incident.
- You were unable to safely stop at the scene.
- Emergency situations that required you to leave.
The right defense will depend heavily on the facts of your case, so a thorough investigation and legal strategy are key to challenging the charges effectively.
What Can a Laguna Niguel Attorney Help Me With
A Laguna Niguel DUI and hit and run attorney can be helpful with every legal aspect of your situation, along with emotional support and guidance. These cases often involve both criminal charges and administrative penalties, which can quickly become overwhelming without legal help.
An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the details of your arrest and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenge evidence such as breathalyzer or blood test results.
- Represent you in both court and DMV hearings to help protect your license.
- Negotiate for reduced charges, lighter penalties, or even case dismissal, based on your case and what is realistic.
- Build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Legal representation can also help ensure you don’t miss important deadlines, like requesting a DMV hearing, which typically must be done within a short timeframe after an arrest.
Let Us Connect You With a Law Firm Today
If you’re facing a hit-and-run DUI, speaking with a Laguna Niguel Hit and Run DUI attorney as soon as possible can make a meaningful difference, help you understand the legal process, and provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer helps by connecting those facing DUI charges with helpful and trusted legal help. Our services are completely free, and your DUI case can be a hit and run, or some other variation; our network of lawyers has experience with all kinds of DUI charges and investigations.
Reaching out early can help you take control of the situation. Get in touch to get connected with a DUI law firm today. Get peace of mind today.
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