Santa Ana Hit & Run Attorney

Being involved in an auto accident may turn into a situation where a driver is facing criminal charges for hit and run if he or she is accused of leaving the scene of the accident. When a driver is involved in an accident in Santa Ana, California, he or she must remain at the scene and exchange the appropriate documentation with the other driver or drivers involved. Willfully leaving the scene without exchanging driver and insurance information may mean that the driver will find that he or she is facing hit and run charges in the future.

Make sure your legal rights and interests are protected in the face of your hit and run allegations or criminal charges. At the Law Offices of Thomas Tears, we are committed to aggressive legal representation for our clients throughout the criminal court process. Even if charges have not yet been filed against you, a Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer can work to protect you from facing charges in the first place or otherwise positively affect the outcome of your case.

Hit and Run Penalties in Santa Ana

What are the penalties for a hit and run conviction in Santa Ana? While the specific penalties may vary depending on the circumstances of the offense, a driver may face misdemeanor charges (punishable by up to 12 months in county jail) if the accident resulted in property damage alone. If bodily injury is caused by the accident and the driver leaves the scene, felony hit and run charges may apply. This means that a conviction may result in 1 to 3 years in state prison. Enhanced penalties may apply if DUI was involved as well.

Fight your hit and run charges with a competent criminal attorney to represent your interests. Contact a Santa Ana hit and run attorney at our firm today!