Have you been accused of leaving the scene of a crash while under the influence of drugs or alcohol? We understand that substances can cause you to act in ways you might not engage in while sober, but unfortunately, hit and run DUI offenses are serious allegations.
However, hope is not lost; you have options, and a Pasadena DUI lawyer can help you figure out what to do next. While these cases are often taken seriously and prosecuted aggressively, your Pasadena hit and run DUI lawyer can fight for you and protect your rights along the way.
With decades of experience connecting people with the resources they need for their legal cases, you can count on Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to point you in the right direction. Let us help you take the first step toward addressing the charges and protecting your future.
What Is the Definition of a Hit and Run Under California State Laws?
Hit and run offenses are covered under two main statutes in California:
- Vehicle Code § 20002: Referred to as a Misdemeanor Hit and Run, this applies when a driver leaves the scene of an accident that caused property damage without identifying themselves or providing their contact and insurance information.
- Vehicle Code § 20001: Known as a Felony Hit and Run, this applies when a driver leaves the scene of an accident that caused injury or death without providing the required assistance or sharing information pertaining to their identification.
To satisfy the statute, a driver involved in a crash must stop at the scene and exchange the following information with other parties at the scene of the collision:
- Name and address
- Vehicle registration and insurance information
- Driver’s license, if requested
If the accident caused injuries to anyone else, the driver must also render reasonable assistance to those who need it. This often looks like calling emergency services as soon as possible.
When a DUI is involved in a hit and run case, prosecutors may choose to pursue both charges either separately or as part of a combined case. It all depends on the details of the situation, but regardless, it’s important to call a hit and run DUI lawyer in Pasadena sooner rather than later.
What Are the Consequences of a DUI Combined With Hit and Run Allegations?
The combination of a DUI with hit and run allegations can result in an increase in the severity of your charges, both from a legal and prosecutorial perspective. In fact, a driver who is found to have been intoxicated at the time of fleeing the scene may face multiple criminal charges:
- DUI or DUI with injury under Vehicle Code § 23152 or § 23153
- Misdemeanor or felony hit and run under Vehicle Code § 20001 or § 20002
Additional charges are also a possibility, including reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, or violating probation, if applicable. This combination of offenses can increase the likelihood of enhanced penalties, restitution orders, and longer license suspension periods.
In some cases, you could even face felony charges, though it all depends on whether any injuries or deaths occurred as a result of the crash. This is not a situation you should take lightly, and it’s imperative that you contact hit and run DUI lawyers in Pasadena right away.
Sentencing Enhancements for Those Facing Hit and Run DUI Charges
Several sentencing enhancements may apply in DUI hit and run cases in Pasadena. These enhancements can add years to your sentence if they are proven to be true:
- Great bodily injury (Penal Code § 12022.7): If the DUI caused substantial or significant injury to another person, this enhancement can add an additional three years to your sentence.
- Multiple victims enhancement: If more than one person is injured in a DUI-related crash, additional penalties of one year per victim—up to three years in total—may be imposed.
- Child endangerment (Penal Code § 273a): If a child under the age of 14 years old was in the vehicle at the time of the DUI, separate charges of child endangerment may be filed.
- Prior DUI convictions: Any DUI that you were charged with in the last 10 years may increase your sentencing ranges and conditions, including mandatory alcohol treatment and longer probation terms.
- Refusal to submit to testing: Refusing a breath or blood test can result in a longer driver’s license suspension. This is often up to one year for a first offense and two years or more for repeat offenses.
Collateral Consequences in Hit and Run DUI Cases
Beyond the criminal and administrative penalties associated with hit and run DUI cases, those convicted of these offenses may face long-term consequences that will affect their employment status, housing options, and overall reputation for the foreseeable future.
These are collateral consequences that people in your position could face if convicted:
- Criminal record: Felony convictions remain on a person’s record. They can affect job applications, background checks, and licensing abilities.
- Loss of employment: Some professions, particularly those that require you to drive as part of your job duties, may terminate employees who are convicted of DUI hit and run charges.
- Immigration issues: Non-citizens may face deportation or a denial of reentry following certain DUI or hit and run convictions.
- Civil liability: Victims of DUI-related accidents may pursue civil claims for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, among other damages they sustained as a result of the collision.
- Increased insurance costs: Car insurance providers may deny you coverage or impose substantial rate increases after DUI or hit and run convictions.
Call Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to Learn How a Hit and Run DUI Law Firm in Pasadena Can Help You With Your Case
If you or someone you love is facing hit and run DUI charges, you don’t have to handle the aftermath all by yourself. Instead, contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer.
We have the resources you need to find Pasadena hit and run DUI lawyers in your area who can take on your case. We’re the ones to call when you need professionals who will advocate for your rights.
You deserve support as you work through the legal process during such a difficult time, and we’re here for you. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can put you in contact with hit and run DUI attorneys in Pasadena.
