Perhaps one of the states that has a most rigid set of laws when it comes to DUI/DWI offenses is the state of California. It’s not without salient reasons though. One of the major causes of serious deaths in the state each year is DUI/DWI violations. This is why the existing laws governing the same have been strengthened even more to include heavier penalties ranging from more substantial fines to longer jail terms. Of course, there’s also the standard penalty of the suspension or possible revocation of one’s driver’s license on top of all the others.
Among the plethora of DUI violations, a hit and run DUI is one of those that is often committed. There are still a lot of licensed drivers out there that apart from being negligent, do not fully grasp the concept of a hit and run DUI. This is probably also the reason why such an offense is often committed. Now a hit and run DUI in the state involves a situation wherein the offender leaves the scene of the accident. The accident doesn’t have to involve another vehicle or a pedestrian exclusively. It can be that injury was dealt to an inanimate object like fence, mailbox, or a parking meter. It can also be that the accident involved an animal.
When the accident involves damages to property, the hit and run DUI will be properly classified as a misdemeanor. If it involves bodily injury or death to a person, then it will fall under a felony DUI. The penalties accruing to the latter are more severe, particularly when death will result. In such cases, the offender will also be prosecuted for manslaughter or homicide. If an animal will die in the process, the offender will be additionally charged with animal abuse.
If you are caught in a hit and run DUI situation, the best way to deal with the situation is to find the owner of the damaged property if he is not around or face up to him and file a report with the police station. Above all else, you should never forget to call your DUI defense attorney or hire one ASAP before entering into any form of negotiations with the injured party. In cases where the owner of the property cannot be located immediately, leave your information in the scene of the incident as well as with the nearest police station where you filed the report. AND, solicit legal assistance immediately thereafter.
