Hit and Run in San Diego
The possibility of being charged with a hit-and-run is not an idea most San Diegans entertain. While hit-and-run accidents notoriously conjure up images of criminals fleeing the accident scene in desperation, this is not always the case. While this scenario does occur, if you accidentally hit a parked car in a parking lot and fail to leave a note or report the incident to the authorities, you can be charged with a crime.
If you are facing a hit-and-run charge in San Diego County, do not hesitate to the Law Offices of Mark Deniz at 858-751-4384.
San Diego Hit-and-Run – Vehicle Code §§’s 20001-20002
According to California Vehicle Code 20002VC, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes damage to another person’s property, you have certain legal responsibilities. You must stop at the accident, give the other party your “identifying information and provide your driver’s license and registration. Failure to do so can result in a California misdemeanor hit-and-run charge even if you are not at fault for the accident.
In addition, the misdemeanor law concerns ANY type of property damage. Even if you hit a parking meter, a stop sign or a mailbox, you are legally required to leave your information and notify the local police of the incident.
Hit-and-Run Penalties
The penalties for a misdemeanor hit-and-run are nothing to be brushed aside. The series consequences can include:
- Up to three years of probation
- Six months of jail time
- Up to $1,000 fines
- Two points on your driving record
- Restitution to the victim for property damages
Hit and Run can be charged as a Felony
According to California Vehicle Code 20001 VC, if you are involved in an accident in which the other party was injured or killed, you are legally required to remain at the scene of the accident and provide reasonable assistance to the injured parties. If you fail to meet these requirements and flee the scene of the accident, you can be charged with a felony hit-and-run.
Being charged with a California felony hit-and-run is a much more serious crime and if convicted, it can have severe ramifications both now and in the future. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the number of injured people and your criminal history, you can face long prison sentences and even a conviction of vehicular manslaughter. If you were found to be San Diego driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, you may face additional charges and penalties. If you are facing a hit-and-run charge in San Diego County, do not hesitate to the Law Offices of Mark Deniz at 858-751-4384.
Some serious penalties of a felony hit-and-run charge include:
- If the injuries are not permanent, you can face up to three years in the California state prison.
- If the accident caused serious or permanent injuries, or if the accident resulted in another person’s death, you can face up to four years imprisonment.
- If you are found to be guilty of vehicular manslaughter, you can face up to five years in prison PLUS additional penalties for vehicular manslaughter.
Defenses
In many cases, the best defense is explaining the situation. For example, I had a case where my client was heading to the freeway from a Padres game. The client was on a one-way street. The car in front of them made a left-hand turn. They mistakenly thought the light was green. They felt a bump, accidentally thinking it a bump on the road. What actually happened was a motorcycle went through its green light and grazed the client’s car. The client had no idea what happened until the police stopped them. In this case, the client needed their side of the story explained and the charges were dismissed. In many cases, a situation comes down to an honest mistake or a quick decision. These need to be explained to the judge and prosecutor. A very common issue is the client was not even the driver! The police rush to judgment and assume someone was driving without knowing all the facts. In addition, police error, improper search, and seizure can weaken the prosecution’s case against you. No matter the facts of the case, we will investigate all angles of your case to build a strong and formidable defense.
If you are charged with a hit-and-run in San Diego County, it is important to obtain the services of an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. We will investigate all angles of your case to build a strong and formidable defense.
Conclusion
Being charged with a hit-and-run can be a traumatic and stressful experience. The Law Offices of Mark Deniz is committed to defending your rights and protecting your future. If you are facing a hit-and-run charge in San Diego County, do not hesitate to the Law Offices of Mark Deniz at 858-751-4384.
20002 (a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. Moving the vehicle in accordance with this subdivision does not affect the question of fault.
Hire a Proactive, affordable, and quality defense when you are facing San Diego DUI charges. Whether you have been charged of a San Diego DUI, Poway DUI, La Mesa DUI, Santee DUI, Mission Valley DUI, Clairemont DUI, Point Loma DUI, La Jolla DUI, Carmel Valley DUI, Mira Mesa DUI, Pacific Beach DUI, Del Mar DUI, Carmel Valley DUI, Encinitas DUI, Oceanside DUI, Escondido DUI, Vista DUI, San Marcos DUI, Carlsbad DUI, El Cajon DUI it is vital you need to hire an attorney who knows how to defend your rights and can determine if the government can prove their case. Contact the Law Office of Mark Deniz now for a free case evaluation at 858-751-4384.
