How to Handle Hit and Run Charges in Los Angeles, CA
Hit and run charges in Los Angeles, CA can result in license suspension, criminal records, and jail time, making immediate legal representation essential to protect your driving privileges and future opportunities.
What makes a traffic incident a hit and run?
A hit and run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or render aid, even if the collision was minor.
California law requires drivers to stop immediately after any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Leaving the scene—whether out of panic, confusion, or fear—transforms a civil matter into a criminal charge. Prosecutors pursue both misdemeanor and felony hit and run cases depending on the severity of harm and whether the driver fled knowingly.
Many first-time offenders panic in the moment and drive away without realizing the legal consequences. You may have been unaware that contact occurred, especially in crowded parking lots or busy intersections. Marcus E. DeBose understands these situations and focuses on empathy and restoration rather than judgment.
Can evidence be challenged in hit and run cases?
Yes. Defense attorneys review witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports to identify inconsistencies, misidentifications, or lack of proof that you were the driver.
Witnesses often provide conflicting descriptions of vehicles, license plates, or driver appearance. Video evidence may be grainy or incomplete. Police may not have verified your identity at the scene. Marcus personally handles each case and examines every piece of evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution's story.
He also evaluates whether you were properly informed of your legal obligations. If you were unaware of the collision or believed it was too minor to report, that context matters. Los Angeles roadways like the 405, 101, and downtown corridors see thousands of minor collisions daily, and not every tap or scrape is immediately obvious to drivers.
Building a strong defense early can prevent charges from being filed or lead to dismissal. Criminal defense services in Los Angeles, CA include thorough case investigation and direct communication with clients 24/7.
When should you contact an attorney after an accident?
Contact an attorney immediately, ideally before speaking with police or insurance investigators, to preserve your rights and prevent self-incrimination during questioning.
Anything you say after an accident can be used against you in criminal proceedings. Even well-meaning explanations can be twisted into admissions of guilt. An attorney can communicate on your behalf and ensure you do not waive important defenses. Early legal action can also prevent license suspension or arrest warrants.
Marcus provides bilingual support and clear explanations of your legal obligations in English or Spanish. He is available day or night to guide first-time offenders through the stress and uncertainty of criminal charges. His goal is to restore normalcy as quickly as possible while protecting your record.
How does Los Angeles traffic volume affect hit and run cases?
Heavy Los Angeles traffic increases the likelihood of minor collisions and delayed awareness, which can complicate hit and run investigations and provide context for defense arguments.
Los Angeles drivers navigate some of the most congested freeways in the nation, where bumper-to-bumper conditions and sudden lane changes are routine. A driver may feel a slight jolt and assume it was a pothole or debris, only to learn later that another vehicle was involved. This is especially common in multilane merges or parking structures.
Prosecutors must prove you knew a collision occurred and intentionally left. Traffic conditions, visibility, and vehicle noise all affect awareness. Marcus uses these factors to build a credible defense that shows you acted reasonably under the circumstances, not recklessly or criminally.
You deserve a defense that treats you with dignity and fights for the best outcome. Email My Lawyer offers free consultations and personalized representation from an experienced San Diego attorney who serves clients throughout Southern California.
Start protecting your rights now by calling Marcus E. DeBose at 619-876-0992 to discuss your hit and run charge and learn how insurance fraud defense services in Los Angeles, CA can support your case.