Were you part of an accident involving driving under the influence, crashing into other people, and feeling the scene? While charges for getting into collisions of any kind are tragic in their own ways, hit and run cases can be especially stressful.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we know that the at-fault party often faces more serious charges as a result of choosing to leave the crash site. Paired with the drunk driving element, you might feel like a bad situation is even worse.
However, you’re not alone—you just need a Santa Ana hit and run DUI lawyer on your side. We have decades of experience connecting thousands of people with legal counsel. Let us help you find a Santa Ana DUI lawyer who can represent you.
Defending Against Your Hit and Run DUI Charges
Defending against hit-and-run and DUI charges can be complicated, but a hit and run DUI lawyer in Santa Ana has likely handled cases similar to yours. Their legal knowledge and experience will help them construct a strong case in your defense.
Let’s take a look at various strategies that your attorney might use when defending you after you’ve been accused of DUI and hit and run charges.
Calling the DUI Evidence Into Question
A DUI conviction is based on the results of breath or blood tests. These tests are what show that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or the drugs in your system exceeded legal limits. However, your legal counsel can challenge the accuracy of these test results.
This approach might involve questioning the calibration of the equipment, the training of the officer administering the test, or the procedures followed during the testing. If the test results are shown to be unreliable, the prosecution’s case will be weakened.
Claiming Mistakes and Panic Caused You to Crash or Flee
Your lawyer might impose a defense strategy in which they argue that you left the scene of the crash by accident or in a state of confusion. The goal is to prove that you fled for reasons other than malicious intent.
Arguing That the Collision Was Minor or No Injuries Were Present
In some cases, a defense attorney might argue that the accident was minor. They can also emphasize the lack of injuries or any significant property damage.
If the prosecution cannot prove that there were serious injuries or any deaths caused by the collision, your lawyer might be able to get your charges lowered or your penalties reduced.
Challenging the Injuries or Damage from the Hit-and-Run
If the hit and run resulted in physical injuries or property damage, Santa Ana hit and run DUI lawyers can attempt to downplay the extent of it.
For example, if the victim’s injuries are minor, your lawyer may argue that the penalties shouldn’t be as severe as they would be for major injuries.
Citing Mental State at the Time of the Incident
In some instances, your lawyer might claim that you were not of sound mind at the time of the incident. For example, if you were experiencing a mental health crisis, your attorney can argue that you lacked the necessary mental state to commit the crime intentionally.
Common Misconceptions About Hit and Run DUI Cases
Many people misunderstand the legal implications of a hit and run DUI charge, which can lead to unnecessary panic or poor decision-making. Some common misconceptions include:
- Fleeing the scene automatically means you’re guilty: While leaving an accident scene is against the law, there may be valid defenses for why you did so. For example, your attorney can argue that you didn’t realize a collision occurred or that you acted out of shock and fear.
- If no one was hurt, the penalties won’t be as severe: Even in minor accidents, prosecutors take hit and run DUI cases very seriously. As a result, the consequences for this charge are often significant.
- You can’t fight the charges if your BAC was over the limit: There are many ways your lawyer can challenge a DUI case. Questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer test results and disputing probable cause for the traffic stop are two examples of approaches your attorney can take.
- Hiring a lawyer won’t make a difference: This is yet another untrue statement. In fact, an experienced DUI defense attorney can make all the difference. Your lawyer can negotiate your charges with the goal of reducing them, fight for alternative sentencing options, or strive to have your case dismissed, depending on the circumstances.
Understanding the realities of hit and run DUI cases can help you make informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Penalties You Could Face if You Are Convicted of a Hit and Run DUI Charge
The penalties for a DUI hit and run conviction can be severe. In many cases, consequences for this type of charge often entail both criminal penalties and civil liability. Together, these repercussions can have long-term impacts on your life.
More specifically, as a first-time offender who has caused a DUI hit and run collision, you could face the following penalties:
- Jail time or prison sentences
- Significant fines and court costs
- Long-term driver’s license suspension
- Probation and mandatory DUI education programs
- Civil lawsuits for damages
The severity of your penalties will depend on a number of factors such as the extent of the injuries you caused and whether or not there was property damage. Any prior criminal history on your record will also be taken into consideration.
Reach Out Today to Learn How Santa Ana Hit and Run DUI Attorneys Can Help You
A hit and run accident involving a DUI charge is a serious offense in the eyes of California state laws. The combination of a DUI and a hit and run charge can leave a lasting impact on your record.
However, not all hope is lost—Santa Ana hit and run DUI lawyers can help you protect yourself. For help finding an attorney who can represent you throughout every step of the legal process, contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer as soon as possible.
The sooner you call us, the sooner we can provide you with resources to consult with a lawyer experienced in hit and run DUI cases.
