Elements of Hit and Run in CA Explained for Residents of Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Across Southern California
When hit and run accidents occur in movies and television, they’re typically dramatic plot twists. In the real world, you could face hit and run charges arising out of misunderstandings and genuine mistakes. If you’ve been charged with a hit and run or you fear that an incident you have been involved in could lead to such charges, it’s essential that you consult professional legal guidance. As the top hit and run defense firm in Southern California, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can help you understand how hit and run laws work in real life and begin developing an effective defense strategy.
Our hit and run defense attorneys begin each case with a free consultation and case review, analyzing the specific facts of a client’s individual circumstances. From there, we can advise you on your legal rights and how we can assist you in preparing a defense that stands up to the real-world demands of the legal process. Contact us today to get started.
The Elements of Hit and Run in CA That You Need to Know If You’re Facing Charges in Los Angeles
Real-world cases involving hit and run charges can be complex. These charges can be filed in numerous situations in which a driver is accused of leaving the scene of the accident without providing proper identification and vehicle registration information.
This means that it isn’t only speeding off to avoid the consequences of causing an accident that constitutes a hit and run offense under California law. You could face charges in numerous situations, such as:
- Failing to stop your vehicle in a situation in which you knew or should have known an accident causing damage or injury occurred
- Failing to provide complete or accurate information, even as a result of an honest mistake
- Leaving the scene of the accident after stopping without providing all required information
- In the event of damage to a parked car or another form of property, leaving a note with your information for the owner but failing to notify the police of the accident
In any situation in which you’re accused of leaving the scene of the accident, you benefit from having experienced legal counsel who can address all elements of hit and run in CA.
Section 20002 of the California Vehicle Code—and How Hit and Run Laws Work in Real Life
Section 20002 and related sections of the California Vehicle Code outline the elements of hit and run offenses and the penalties you could face if you’re convicted of leaving the scene of the accident.
Hit and Run Offenses Involving Property Damage
Per this statute, in the event of an accident that involves property damage only, you are required to either:
- Locate the owner of the property and provide your identification and registration information, or
- Both leave your information in a written notice at the scene and notify the police.
If convicted of a hit and run that involves only property damage, you could face up to $1,000 in fines and up to six months in jail under California law.
A real-world example of this situation is when you hit an unoccupied, parked vehicle while driving.
Hit and Run Offenses Involving Injuries
Under Section 20001, hit and run offenses are treated differently when they involve injury to another person rather than strictly property damage. In this instance, you can be charged with a felony offense that carries steeper penalties. Generally, a hit and run accident that involves an injury to another person can result in up to one year in prison and fines between $1,000 and $10,000. If the accident results in permanent, serious injury, the potential prison term climbs to two to four years.
An accident that leaves another motorist, vehicle occupant, or pedestrian with more than the most minor injuries could be sufficiently severe to result in felony hit and run charges. Any permanent impairment or loss of function of a bodily organ can constitute the kind of permanent, serious injury that results in a lengthier jail sentence.
Fault for the Accident Doesn’t Impact Hit and Run Charges
People often assume that only the driver who is at fault for a crash can be charged over fleeing the scene, but that isn’t how hit and run laws work in real life. Fault for the collision has no bearing on your duty to stop your vehicle and provide all required information.
Imagine that you get hit by another motorist but decide that the damage isn’t serious enough that you want to go through the hassle of filing a claim. Since you’re the victim, you might think you aren’t required to stop your vehicle. Alternatively, you might stop to examine the damage and assume that you’re in the clear to leave the scene without providing your contact and insurance information to the person who caused the accident. However, because fault isn’t considered in whether leaving the scene constitutes a hit and run offense, you could still face charges arising out of this situation.
It’s Not Too Late to Cooperate—But Do So Under Professional Legal Guidance
One benefit of understanding how hit and run laws work in real life is realizing the value of cooperating with the victim or law enforcement. It’s not too late to provide your information and work to make things right—with the critical caveat that you should first consult an experienced hit and run attorney.
Turning yourself in without considering the consequences and how you will approach and interact with the alleged victim and law enforcement could make the situation worse by providing more evidence for the prosecution to use against you. On the other hand, working closely with an experienced hit and run attorney ensures that your efforts to cooperate or reach a compromise serve your overall legal strategy and your goal of minimizing the impact of this incident on your future.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help When You’re Facing Hit and Run Charges
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we take a proven approach to defending against hit and run charges. You can count on us to:
- Evaluate your case and legal options as part of a free consultation
- Investigate our clients’ cases to uncover evidence in their favor and mitigating factors
- Represent the accused in all aspects of the legal matter, including out-of-court negotiations and trial proceedings
We have a history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. If you’re looking for professional legal counsel to pursue a dismissal of charges, suppression of improperly obtained evidence, or other results that benefit you when you’re charged with a hit and run, we’re here to provide the skilled defense services you need.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney?
When you’re facing serious charges, you need legal counsel who understands all the nuances of how hit and run laws work in real life. You need The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, where an experienced team of lawyers applies considerable knowledge and legal skills to secure clients the most favorable resolutions possible.
A Team With Over a Century of Combined Legal Experience
To face the challenges ahead of you, you need legal support you can rely on. Who can you trust more to provide this support than the team of seasoned hit and run attorneys at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney? Our attorneys bring to each case more than 100 years of combined experience defending the accused and fighting to protect their rights throughout the legal process.
Comprehensive Knowledge of Real-World Challenges and Strategies for Hit and Run Cases
Our background in defending our clients against charges arising out of leaving the scene of an accident means we have extensive knowledge not only of California state law but also of how hit and run laws work in real life. We’ve encountered—and overcome—the full array of challenges and complexities that arise in cases of this nature. Our hit and run attorneys are equipped to develop effective legal strategies for minimizing the impact of these serious charges and achieving favorable resolutions.
A Focus on Strategic Defense Planning to Achieve Beneficial Outcomes for Our Clients
Through diligent case preparation, our attorneys can lead you to victory in your legal issue. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, the most favorable outcome possible may mean getting charges dropped or downgraded, securing a not-guilty trial verdict, or receiving less harsh punishments in the event of a conviction. Our hit and run attorneys begin planning a client’s defense strategy early on, drawing on the valuable information we gain through diligent investigation of your case.
Contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for Help Handling the Elements of Hit and Run in CA Charges
Hit and run charges are too complex, and their implications too serious, to make the mistake of attempting to handle the case on your own. Your future depends on how your case unfolds, which is why you need dedicated legal professionals on your side.
For help from a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience managing the elements of hit and run in CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call (310) 209-3999 today.
