There are several categories of drunk-driving offenses in the state of California but one of those carrying heavier and harsher penalties is hit and run DUI. A person is considered to have committed the crime of hit and run DUI if he flees from the scene during a vehicular accident. Such an accident does not just involve a vehicular collision but also extends to situations where the victim is a person, a pedestrian, an animal, any private or governmental property, or other inanimate objects. In a hit and run DUI, the crux of the offense is the act of leaving the scene of accident without providing necessary information to the other parties or providing help to the injured in case of an injury.
When you are charged with a hit and run DUI in the state, this means you will be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. It is considered as a misdemeanor if you fled the scene of the accident wherein damage to property resulted from the same. This is also called as a California hit and run misdemeanor and is fairly common all over the state, comprising a substantial enough portion of DUI charges being filed every year. If you have been charged with a hit and run misdemeanor, this means points against your driving record. It also means you will need to pay certain fines and in more serious cases, face jail time. Usually, the severity of the penalties depends on the extent of the damage caused to the property and the presence of other aggravating circumstances.
Now when does the offense constitute a felony instead of a misdemeanor? If the accident results in bodily injury or death, the act of the individual in leaving the scene is now considered as a California hit and run felony. Moreover, it also falls under this category if someone was injured during the course of the accident and you didn’t help, offered any help, or took proper action such as calling the police authorities. This is still applicable even in cases where the alleged offender is not actually at fault. The main element of the crime is the failure to extend help or call the proper authorities. Needless to say, the penalties involved are far more severe than the hit and run misdemeanor. Fines can run from $1000 to as much as $10000. Moreover, you will certainly have to face jail time. Points will be given to your diving record and of course, your license will be suspended. In some cases, you cannot even reinstate your insurance coverage on your vehicle.
The worst part here is if the victim dies and you left the scene. You will then be charged with vehicular manslaughter or homicide. If you hit an animal, you will also be charged with anima abuse on top of all the other charges. In the event that you become involved in either a hit and run misdemeanor or felony do not leave the scene of the accident. If leaving becomes urgent like say, you were also injured, make sure you leave sufficient information at the scene such as your name and contact number so the police authorities can know your whereabouts. Above all else, contact an experienced hit and run DUI defense attorney ASAP so your rights may be properly protected.
