Hit and run and DUI are both very serious charges, with consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. For either, you could face a felony and spend years in prison if convicted. Combined, hit and run and driving under the influence are tough charges to beat.
You might think this amounts to an easy win for the prosecution, even if you believe they’ve got it wrong. It may even seem like they’re trying to make an example of you, regardless of the facts. A Palmdale hit and run DUI lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has helped thousands of people facing criminal charges get the legal assistance they need. Call today, and we can connect you with a Palmdale DUI lawyer who can help with your hit and run DUI case.
DUI In California
DUI (driving under the influence) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers, but stricter limits apply to minors and commercial drivers.
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, or illegal substances. If you are suspected of DUI, officers may conduct field sobriety tests, and if you are arrested, you must submit to a chemical test.
A skilled Palmdale hit and run DUI attorney can challenge aspects of your charges, such as the validity of tests or the arrest procedure. Your lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Penalties for DUI
Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be severe, even for a first offense. The extent of your penalties often depends on the seriousness of your violation and your prior history.
- First offense: Probation, fines of up to $1,000, license suspension, potential jail time, and mandatory DUI education
- Second or third offense: Harsher fines, longer suspensions, and jail time
- DUI with injury: Felony charges, long prison sentences, and extensive fines
Repeat offenders or those causing injury might face felony charges. California also enforces zero tolerance for marijuana-impaired driving, even though recreational use is legal. Besides legal issues, a DUI conviction may increase your insurance premiums and impact your driving record.
Hit and Run in California
In California, leaving the scene of an accident without providing required information or offering help is considered a hit and run, even if you are not at fault. After any accident, you must stop immediately, exchange information, and call 911 if there are injuries.
Failing to stop or assist is a criminal offense, and you could face fines or jail time. The penalties become more serious if someone is injured or killed. Convictions for hit and run can also affect your driving record and insurance rates.
It is smart to speak with an attorney if you are accused of a hit and run. Your lawyer may be able to demonstrate that your actions were legally acceptable or that the police have wrongfully charged you. Without legal help, you risk your future over a single traffic incident.
Penalties for Hit and Run
There are two main types of hit and run charges you might face.
- Property Damage (VC20002): If you damage property, you must stop and give your name, address, and vehicle details. Failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor charge, which can carry penalties of up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and probation.
- Injury or Death (VC20001): If the accident results in injuries or death, leaving the scene is a felony and carries severe penalties. This includes up to four years in prison, fines up to $10,000, a license suspension, and probation.
Hit and Run and DUI Charges Combined
If you are charged with a hit and run while driving under the influence, it is important to consult a hit and run DUI lawyer in Palmdale. If you are intoxicated and cause an accident, and then leave the scene, you face both hit and run and DUI charges.
This results in consecutive penalties, making the consequences far worse. These can include years in prison, large fines, long-term license suspension, and mandatory rehab. Your insurance premiums may also rise significantly, and it could be difficult to get coverage in the future.
Defenses for Hit and Run With DUI
A skilled attorney can review your case and identify ways to lessen the impact of your charges.
Defending a hit and run charge with a DUI in California is complicated, and your lawyer may employ various strategies to either reduce the penalties or, in some cases, challenge the charges altogether. They might:
- Investigate your charges and gather evidence to uncover facts that weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Challenge DUI evidence by questioning the validity of the stop or BAC testing.
- Question your hit and run charges by providing valid reasons for leaving the scene and demonstrating a lack of criminal intent.
- Challenge injury claims related to accidents involving injury or death, and seek to have felony charges reduced.
- Pursue plea bargains or alternative sentencing programs to lessen the impact of your charges on your life.
Get Help from a Palmdale Hit and Run DUI Attorney
Individually, hit and run and DUI can lead to fines, jail time, and a major upheaval in your life. If you’re charged with both, it might feel like there’s no way out of your situation.
A Palmdale hit and run DUI attorney may be able to help you contest your charges and reduce their impact so you can move on with your life. Call Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today so that we can connect you with an attorney who will assist you with your case.
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