Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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The penalties for a first-time hit and run offense will vary depending on the facts of your case and the laws of the state in which the crime was committed. But in general, you can expect the following:
Hit and run is the crime where you flee the scene of a car accident where the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
If you are involved in a car crash, most jurisdictions require you to try and locate the owner(s) of the vehicle(s) involved and provide them with your contact, vehicle registration and insurance information.
If you cannot find the owner of the other vehicle, you should leave a note for the person that describes what happened and informs them of your name and contact information.
The hit and run laws of most states say that you commit misdemeanor hit and run if:
Most jurisdictions say that the penalties for misdemeanor hit and run charges include:
Most states say that you commit felony hit and run if you:
State laws typically impose the following penalties in a first-time felony hit and run cases:
No. Felony hit and run is generally a separate and distinct crime from vehicular manslaughter.
You are usually guilty of vehicular manslaughter if you:
Drivers accused of this crime will face felony charges punishable by:
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you should try to locate the owner of the vehicle and show that person your driver’s license and vehicle registration. If someone is injured at the accident scene, you should provide reasonable assistance (including calling for an ambulance if one is necessary).7
You should also provide the owner with your contact information, including your current street address and phone number.8
If the owner asks for it, you should also exchange information regarding your insurance company and auto insurance information.
If you hit an unattended vehicle (for example, one in a parking lot) or cannot find a car’s owner, you should leave a note for the owner in a conspicuous place. In the note, you should describe what happened and you should include your contact information and address.9
If you are facing criminal charges involving leaving the scene of an accident, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer for help.
An attorney can help you develop a defense strategy to challenge your charges. For example, a defense lawyer can help you try and show that you were:
If you do get charged with a criminal offense, a criminal defense attorney can help minimize the hit and run penalties that you may face. For example, a lawyer could try and show that you have a relatively clean criminal record and deserve mercy from the court.
Note that most attorneys and law firms/law offices provide free consultations. This means you can receive legal advice at no cost.
Further, your communications with your attorney are protected by the attorney-client relationship. This bond says that your lawyer cannot disclose your confidences without first gaining your consent.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.