The crime of Hit and Run is committed when a person is involved in a collision and fails to stop and provide information to the other party. A conviction for this offense could result in the loss of the person's drivers license, jail and a fine. A
Criminal Defense Lawyer can help to mitigate the damage and work to resolve the situation, sometimes without any criminal prosecution. It is best to retain the services of a lawyer early in the case. When a person buries their head in the sand and hopes that the whole thing will go away but does not hire an attorney, vital opportunities could be lost to work out alternative dispositions such as a civil compromise or other diversionary programs.
In one recent case, Attorney Matthew Ruff was hired shortly after the client was involved in a hit and run collision in Los Angeles County. The client had been drinking and was admittedly DUI at the time of the accident. The client called the Lawyer asking for advice on whether he should report his car stolen the next day, fortunately for him the attorney got involved and was able to guide and direct the client and what to do, and more importantly, what
not to do. Falsely reporting your vehicle stolen after a hit and run collision is never the smart or legal thing to do. The client was able to get his car out of impound, the attorney acted as an insulator between the client and the police. At the end of the day, no criminal charges were ever filed.
In yet another recent case, the client retained our services after formal hit and run charges were filed. The Lawyer immediately developed a strategy to get his client's criminal charges dropped. He went to Court and met with the City Attorney prosecuting the case, a deal was struck to dismiss all criminal hit and run allegations in the complaint. In the end, the client never had to go to Court and now has a clean criminal record free from any conviction.
What most people do not understand is that the constitution of both California and the United States allow an individual to remain silent and allow an attorney to speak on their behalf when confronted with questioning from the police or governmental agents. This is important within the context of hit and run cases because what follows a collision where an individual has left the scene is a call from a detective asking probing and very difficult questions about the details of the accident. In addition, insurance company adjusters will want immediate answers as to why and how the car involved in the hit and run caused physical damage and injury.
A Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer can be the most valuable resource you can have after being involved in a hit and run crash. The attorney understands the system, dealing with insurance company representatives, tow companies, police impound yards and detectives from the police agency investigating the accident. The volume of it all can be overwhelming for most people, having a lawyer on your side, acting as your advocate, speaking on your behalf, can make the difference between a good result and a bad one. Our Law Firm is available to meet and confer with you in a discreet consultation toll free at 1-877-213-4453.
The legal information contained in this page is not intended to be specific legal advice on any particular matter. A local experienced criminal defense lawyer should be contacted and consulted if an individual is facing arrest or prosecution in Los Angeles, Santa Clarita Kern County and Bakersfield Ca.