West Covina Hit And Run Defense Attorneys | Former Citrus Court DAs
Arrested Or Under Investigation For Hit And Run In West Covina?
If you have been accused of a Hit and Run in West Covina, it imperative that you consult with a criminal defense lawyer with experience defending Hit and Run charges in Citrus Court. Typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code 20002, you can also be charged with a felony Hit and Run under VC 20001 if you are accused of fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death. It is important to note, responsibility or liability for the traffic collision is not a factor in a Hit and Run case. Therefore, leaving the scene of a traffic accident where you were clearly NOT-at-fault would still result in Hit and Run charges.
Penalties: Hit & Run Involving Property Damage | VC 20002
The majority of Hit and Run cases in West Covina are prosecuted as misdemeanors under VC 20002, which is California’s non-injury Hit and Run vehicle code statute. Also known as Hit and Run involving property damage, the penalties and punishment for a VC 20002 conviction in West Covina include the following:
-
- Up to 6 months in county jail
-
- Fine up to $1,000
-
- Summary or unsupervised probation
-
- 2 points on your DMV driving record
-
- Victim Restitution
- Community labor or service
Penalties: Hit And Run With Injury | VC 20001
Leaving the scene of a traffic collision involving injury or death would result in a Hit and Run charge under VC 20001. Categorized as a “wobbler” offense, Hit and Run with injury is much more serious and can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the degree of injury to the victim. A felony Hit and Run with injury under VC 20001 in West Covina carries the following penalties and punishments:
-
- Up to 3 years in California State Prison
-
- Up to 4 years in California State Prison (with great bodily injury (GBI) sentencing enhancement)
-
- Up to a $10,000 fine
-
- Formal or supervised probation
-
- 2 points on your DMV driving record
-
- License suspension
- Community labor or service
How We Can Help You Avoid A Hit And Run Conviction
In our 3 decades of successful Hit and Run defense in West Covina, we have encountered virtually every possible variation of VC 20001 and VC 20002. Based on our experience, the probability of avoiding a Hit and Run conviction significantly increased for our clients who proactively engaged our criminal lawyers before charges were filed and before speaking with investigators and insurance adjusters. There are a number of alternatives to simply pleading guilty to Hit and Run, and the following are examples of methods we have employed to dismiss or reduce Hit and Run charges for our clients out of West Covina Court:
-
- Dismissal or reduction of charge by way of Civil Compromise pursuant to California Penal Code section 1377-1379
-
- Dismissal or reduction of charge by way of Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)
-
- Plea to lesser charge of PC 415 – Disturbing the Peace
- Plea to lesser charge of VC 16025 – Failing to Leave Proof of Financial Responsibility
Speak To Our West Covina Hit And Run Lawyers Today
Former Citrus Court prosecutors, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff, have each practiced criminal law for over 35 years, and both have specialized in defending West Covina Hit and Run charges since 1987. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, or you are a first offender with no criminal history, you need an experienced and dynamic legal defense to ensure the best possible outcome. Call our office now at (626) 628-9185 for a free case analysis or to schedule an appointment at our office located at 100 N. Barranca, in the City of West Covina. We have served the following communities for 3 decades:
