Free Consultation With A Long Beach Hit & Run Lawyer
If you are facing a hit and run charge or investigation in Long Beach, it is urgent that you speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling hit & run cases. Far too often, many people make the mistake of speaking to police without first consulting with legal counsel, and as a result, they often make incriminating statements that can damage their legal defense. Whether you have been arrested or have recently received a letter from the California Highway Patrol or Long Beach Police Department, contact the hit and run defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan, LLP at (562) 606-5117 for a free case evaluation.
Top-Rated Hit & Run Attorneys In Long Beach, CA
Southern California criminal defense lawyers, Stephen Sitkoff and Eugene Hanrahan, have defended both misdemeanor and felony hit & run charges in Long Beach and throughout South Los Angeles since 1987. With a combined 70 plus years of criminal law experience as former Long Beach Court prosecutors, our defense lawyers have secured numerous dismissals and charge reductions on criminal matters involving hit and run accusations. As our client of our criminal law firm, you will receive the benefit and advantage of a legal defense team with the following qualifications:
- Former Federal Prosecutor
- Former Long Beach Prosecutor
- AV Rated Criminal Attorney
- 2016 – Present Super Lawyer
- 10.0 Avvo Rated Defense Lawyer
Call us today to learn how we can help you avoid or minimize the consequences of a hit and run conviction.
Misdemeanor Hit And Run In Long Beach | California Vehicle Code 20002
Hit & run is typically charged as a misdemeanor traffic crime. However, hit and run cases involving serious injuries to another can trigger felony hit & run charges. If your hit and run case only involves damage to property, you would be charged with a hit and run under California Vehicle Code 20002(a) which is described as leaving the scene of an accident resulting in ONLY property damage without leaving proof of financial responsibility.
The penalty for a misdemeanor hit and run in Long Beach can result in up to 180 days in Los Angeles County jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, summary probation, restitution, and community labor/service. Additionally, a misdemeanor VC 20002 conviction also carries 2 DMV driving points.
Felony Hit And Run In Long Beach | California Vehicle Code 20001
While a misdemeanor hit and run as a first offense out of Long Beach Court does not typically result in jail time, a felony charge of hit and run involving injury, even as a first offense, can. As a “wobbler” offense in California, hit and run with injury under California Vehicle Code 20001(a) can be charged as felony or misdemeanor depending on the extent of the victim’s injuries.
The range of sentencing for a hit and run involving injury can include up to 1 year in state prison or jail, up to a $10,000 fine, supervised probation, restitution, and community labor/service. The punishment can be increased if aggravating circumstances exist, such as driving under the influence and causing serious or permanent injury, or death to the victim.
Avoiding A Hit & Run Conviction
In order for you to be convicted of a hit and run, the prosecutor must be able to prove you were, in fact, the driver of the vehicle in question either through eyewitness testimony, video evidence, or your own admission. If the none of the aforementioned evidence exists, the lack of evidence could result in charges either being rejected or dismissed. However, in circumstances where there is enough evidence to support a criminal complaint and/or conviction, dismissal of charges can still be achieved through either a Civil Compromise under California Penal Code section 1377-1379 or deferred entry of judgment (DEJ).
Contact Our Long Beach Hit And Run Lawyers Today
Our criminal defense team can reached 24/7 online or by phone at (562) 606-5117. If you have been arrested in Long Beach, San Pedro, Signal Hill, Wilmington, Carson, or Seal Beach, contact us today for a free consultation. We have the experience and expertise to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
