A hit-and-run DUI charge is one of the most serious driving-related offenses a person can face in California. If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a hit and run, things can feel overwhelming and uncertain.

Speaking with an experienced Pico Rivera hit-and-run DUI lawyer as soon as possible can help alleviate some of that stress; in addition, doing so may protect your rights.

At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we connect people with experienced DUI lawyers and have decades of combined experience doing so. Reach out to us to get connected with an experienced Pico Rivera DUI lawyer today.

What is Considered a Hit and Run DUI in California?

A hit-and-run DUI occurs when a person is accused of driving under the influence, causing an accident, and then leaving the scene without stopping, exchanging information, and/or providing assistance to any injured person.

In most cases, there are two separate charges:

Driving under the influence under California Vehicle Code § 23152(a): Makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
Hit-and-run under California Vehicle Code § 20001 or § 20002: Makes it illegal to leave the scene of an accident without taking the legal steps required.

What are the Penalties for Hit and Run DUI in California?

Penalties for a hit-and-run DUI will depend on several factors, such as the details based on your specific situation, your criminal history, and the damages and injuries that occurred in the accident. This will also determine whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor hit-and-run conviction can result in:

Up to six months in county jail.
Fines of up to $1,000.
Restitution responsibilities for property damage.

A felony hit and run conviction may lead to:

Up to four years in state prison.
Substantial fines.
Restitution to victims.
Formal felony probation in some cases.

When DUI and hit-and-run charges are filed together, you may face increased penalties. Beyond criminal penalties, a conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, immigration status, and other aspects of your future. That is why having an experienced Pico Rivera hit and run DUI lawyer can be essential in these cases.

Common Defenses in Hit and Run DUI Cases

Every hit and run DUI case is unique. A skilled defense lawyer will carefully review the evidence and help build a personalized defense based on the details of your case. Here are some general defenses for these cases:

Challenging the DUI Evidence

DUI investigations are not always conducted properly. A lawyer may challenge the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence by examining:

The breath-testing device and whether it was properly calibrated and maintained.
Whether law enforcement administered tests correctly.
If your rights were violated at any point.

Disputing the Hit and Run Element

The prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly failed to fulfill their legal duties after an accident; a lawyer may be able to dispute whether this is certain. Possible defenses may include:

The driver was unaware that a collision had occurred.
No actual injury or property damage resulted from the incident.
The driver returned to the scene shortly afterward.
The defendant was mistakenly identified as the driver.
Insufficient evidence links the defendant to the accident.

An attorney can evaluate whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to establish the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Negotiation on Your Behalf

Not every case proceeds to trial. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, a defense lawyer may be able to negotiate on your behalf. In some situations, there may be options for a wet reckless offense or a misdemeanor charge.

Speaking with a Pico Rivera hit and run DUI attorney can help you understand what potential defenses may be possible for your specific case.

Why You Need a Pico Rivera Hit and Run DUI Lawyer

Defending against both a DUI and a hit and run can become complicated quickly and requires a detailed legal strategy.

Evidence can be complicated, involving multiple reports and pieces that need to be gathered and represented, all of which an experienced lawyer can handle for you.

Acting quickly is often the best route with these cases, especially because of the potential of losing driving privileges and the deadlines that can come with the DMV. Along with that, early intervention allows your lawyer to identify potential defenses before opportunities are lost.

Get Connected With a DUI Law Firm Today

If you’ve been arrested for a hit-and-run DUI in Pico Rivera, things can get complicated quickly. There are deadlines and legal processes that can come next.

Having a lawyer in your corner can ensure that you are able to make informed decisions and that your rights are protected.

At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we help people get connected to knowledgeable DUI lawyers. With thousands of clients helped in the past, we are the connection service you need when you are looking for legal help in California. To get connected, simply reach out to us, and we’ll take care of the rest.