Santa Monica Hit And Run Lawyers Since 1987 | Former Sr. Prosecutors
Have you been arrested or placed under investigation for a Hit and Run in Santa Monica? Former Sr. Los Angeles prosecutors, Eugene Hanrahan and Stephen Sitkoff, have both practiced criminal law for over 3 decades with defense expertise in Santa Monica Hit and Run cases. Whether you have been arrested by Santa Monica PD for a misdemeanor or felony Hit and Run, it is critical that you call and speak with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers to learn what to expect next and how your case can be defended. Although most Hit and Run cases in Santa Monica are prosecuted as misdemeanor traffic crimes under California Vehicle Code 20002, felony Hit and Run charges can be filed under VC 20001 if your case involves serious injuries or death to another.
Punishment: Hit & Run Involving Property Damage | VC 20002
Hit and Run cases involving ONLY property damage and no injuries are considered misdemeanors offense under VC 20002. The penalties and punishment for a Hit and Run involving property damage in Santa Monica include the following:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Summary probation
- 2 DMV points
- Victim Restitution
- Community labor or service
- Vehicle impound
Penalties: Hit And Run Involving Injury | VC 20001
Failing to stop after a traffic collision involving injury or death is prosecuted much more aggressively in LAX Court. Described under VC 20001, Hit and Run causing injuries or death to another is categorized as a “wobbler” offense making it eligible to be prosecuted as either a felony or misdemeanor. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony Hit and Run depends on the severity of the victim’s injuries, as well as your prior criminal record. A felony Hit and Run Airport Court carries the following penalties and punishments:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Up to 4 years in prison (with great bodily injury (GBI) sentencing enhancement)
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Formal probation
- 2 DMV points
- License suspension
- Community labor or service
- Vehicle impound
How We Can Help You Avoid A Hit And Run Conviction
We have successfully defended Hit and Run charges in Santa Monica since 1987. Over the course of our 3 decades of criminal defense experience, we have encountered virtually every possible type of Hit and Run case. Santa Monica Hit and Run cases are typically investigated by police before an arrest is made, or charges are filed. Therefore, you should be proactive and retain a skilled Hit and Run lawyer before speaking with police detectives or even insurance adjusters. Prosecutors must build their cases based on evidence and the most damning evidence against your legal defense is an admission of guilt or making incriminating statements. The following are a few examples of defense options we have successfully utilized in Airport Court to help our clients avoid Hit and Run convictions:
- Dismissal or reduction of charge by way of Civil Compromise under 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 Santa Monica Hit And Run Lawyers Today
Contact Sitkoff & Hanrahan, LLP today for a free case analysis. Call us 24/7 at (310) 861-6753. Since 1987, we have proudly served the following West Los Angeles communities: Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, and Venice
