Hit and Run Accident Defense Attorney in Southern California Offers Experienced Legal Defense in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Across CA
If you’re facing hit and run charges in California, the stakes are high. A conviction for fleeing the scene of an accident could lead to a years-long prison sentence and thousands of dollars in fines. To defend you against these serious charges and minimize their impact on your future, you need a Southern California hit and run lawyer who’s dedicated to fighting aggressively for the most favorable outcome possible.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we’re known as the top hit and run defense firm in Southern California. We handle more cases than any other firm and bring unparalleled knowledge of the relevant legal processes to each case. Our team provides skilled hit and run defense personalized to every client’s unique situation. We know that thorough case preparation and aggressive advocacy are critical to getting our clients the most favorable results possible.
Contact us today to start building your defense, beginning with a free consultation.
Facing Hit and Run Charges in Los Angeles, CA?
Under Section 20002 of the California Vehicle Code, drivers are required to stop their vehicle immediately following an accident that results in damage of any kind—even strictly property damage—as soon as they can do so without endangering others or impeding traffic. The driver is required to locate the owner of the property to provide their insurance information or, if unable to do so, to both leave a note containing the necessary information and notify the authorities of the accident. In the event of physical injury to another party, the driver must also render reasonable assistance.
Per the language of state law, you may face hit and run charges in California in numerous situations, including instances in which you:
- Left the scene of an accident that you didn’t cause without first providing your information to others involved in the crash
- Left a note for the property owner with your required information but failed to report the accident to the police
- Mistakenly believed no damage to another’s property resulted from the accident
No matter what the circumstances of your situation are, you need experienced legal guidance to move forward with your defense. A seasoned hit and run accident defense attorney in Southern California can explore the specific facts of your situation, conduct a thorough investigation to identify evidence in your favor and mitigating factors, and begin building your defense strategy.
Penalties for Hit and Run Offenses in California
The consequences of a hit and run conviction depend on the specific charges against you. The more serious the accident from which you’re accused of fleeing the scene, the harsher the penalties you could face. Turning to a hit and run accident defense attorney in Southern California who has experience representing clients against a full array of charges ensures you’re prepared for the challenges of your case.
In California, hit and runs that involve strictly property damage are generally charged as misdemeanors. Under Section 20002 of the California Vehicle Code, a misdemeanor hit and run charge can result in up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Section 20001 of the California Vehicle Code establishes penalties for felony hit and run offenses. These serious offenses involve injury to another person. A felony hit and run that does not lead to either a serious, permanent injury or the death of another person can still result in sentences of up to a year in county jail and between $1,000 and $10,000 in fines.
In the event that the accident causes death or serious, permanent injury, the penalties generally amount to either two to four years in state prison or 90 days to one year in county jail, as well as fines of $1,000 to $10,000. Offenders convicted of a felony hit and run involving the death or serious, permanent injury of another person could be subject to minimum prison terms, although state law allows courts the latitude to reduce or eliminate this minimum sentence. Having a knowledgeable Southern California hit and run lawyer dedicated to your defense can help you put forward the legal arguments that can help minimize the impact of these charges on your life.
Hit and run offenses that are punished particularly harshly are fleeing the scene of an accident when:
- The perpetrator was intoxicated and caused the death of another person, constituting the offense of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- The accident occurred while driving the vehicle with gross negligence in the commission of an unlawful act
- The accident occurred while operating a vehicle in an unlawful manner or with gross negligence in the course of an otherwise lawful act
In these instances, you could be subject to a five-year prison term in addition to any other penalties you’re sentenced to. Having an attorney who understands all the nuances of hit and run laws as well as criminal defense strategies more broadly can help you address the full array of charges you’re facing in this situation.
Defending Against Hit and Run Charges in Southern California
With a Southern California hit and run lawyer on your side, you can begin planning your legal strategy. The prosecution is building a case against you, developing arguments and gathering evidence with which it will attempt to prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Your attorney should develop your hit and run defenses based on the specific facts of your situation. Potential defenses may include:
- Mistaken identity of the driver
- False claims of fleeing the scene
- Lack of evidence of an accident, property damage, or injury
- Lack of knowledge of the accident or damage
- Leaving the scene due to necessity or emergency
- Leaving the scene under duress
- Impairment due to involuntary intoxication
- Constitutional rights violations, such as illegal search and seizure, that make certain evidence against you inadmissible
- Insufficient evidence to prove the prosecution’s case
Fighting hit and run charges isn’t easy, but with the right legal support, you can explore all potential strategies available to you and work toward the most beneficial outcome possible.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
The goal of your hit and run accident defense attorney in Southern California is generally to minimize the impact of these charges on your life. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this might mean petitioning to get improperly obtained evidence against you suppressed, negotiating reduced charges, pushing for a dismissal of all charges, or putting up a strong defense in court.
With years of experience handling criminal cases, the team at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney understands exactly how hit and run laws work in California and what it takes to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney?
For a Southern California hit and run lawyer you can count on, turn to The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney. We’re known throughout the region as seasoned attorneys who put clients first and provide conscientious, compassionate criminal defense services.
An Experienced Legal Team Defending You
When you choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as your legal counsel, you have a team of attorneys with 100+ years of combined experience fighting for you. We draw on our full background defending the accused to prepare strong cases, develop winning legal strategies, and pursue favorable resolutions through skillful negotiations out of court or staunch representation at trial.
A Focus on Meticulous Case Preparation and Unwavering Advocacy
Our team’s proven approach to securing our clients the most beneficial outcomes possible is based on conscientious investigation and diligent crafting of smart legal defense strategies. The focus on victory and consideration of the unique facts of your specific situation guide every step we take in building your case. Throughout it all, you can count on us to advocate for your rights and your best interests at every stage of the legal process.
Compassionate, Client-Centered Legal Service
When you’re facing hit and run charges, it can feel like the whole world is against you. We know how isolating this experience is, and we also know that a single mistake or misunderstanding shouldn’t define your life. We represent clients charged with serious offenses like hit and runs with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to seeking the most beneficial resolution possible.
Contact a Southern California Hit and Run Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Consultation
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney make skilled professional representation accessible to all defendants in need of legal counsel. We’re available 24/7 to provide the time-sensitive guidance you need. Our multilingual firm ensures that language barriers don’t stand in the way of getting professional legal help. By providing free consultations, we ensure you can explore your legal options and understand your rights.
For help from a hit and run accident defense attorney in Southern California, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call (310) 209-3999 today.
