Hit and Run Cases

California criminal defense lawyer Thomas Wallin can represent you or someone you love in a hit and run case, so call 1-866-857-5900 for an attorney with experience.

Hit and Run Facts

• Any driver involved in an accident in California involving injury to another person, or in death, is generally required to stop and to provide information concerning the driver's identity and to render aid to any persons injured in the accident (California Vehicle Code § 20001(a)). A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death can have severe consequences for the fleeing driver. If any injuries to the other person are "serious permanent injuries" or if any other person has died as a result of the accident, the driver faces a minimum sentence of 90 days imprisonment in the county jail, and a maximum sentence of up to four years imprisonment in the state prison. The driver also faces fines of up to $10,000.00 and the revocation of his or her driver's license for one year. It is important to note that the driver is exposed to these penalties whether the driver was "at fault" for causing the accident or not.
• If a driver is involved in an accident resulting in damage to property only, the driver has a similar obligation. The driver must stop the vehicle in a safe location and locate and identify himself or herself to the owner of the property damaged. If the owner cannot be located, the driver must then leave a written note on the damaged property. The note must contain the driver's name and address and the name and address of the vehicle's owner. Thereafter, without delay, the driver must notify either the city police, or the California Highway Patrol (California Vehicle Code § 20002(a)). Any driver who fails to comply with these requirements faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment of six months in the county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.00. Furthermore, the driver faces possible driver's license suspension. Again, the driver is exposed to these penalties whether the driver was "at fault" for causing the accident or not.

Contact California criminal defense attorney Thomas Wallin at 1-866-857-5900 to discuss your legal rights regarding “hit and run” cases. The stakes are high, so you need to have legal counsel who is experienced and knowledgeable about this area of the law before contacting law enforcement to discuss your involvement in a hit and run case.

Contact us about your criminal defense matter!