Defending Felony Hit & Run Charges

What is the difference between a misdemeanor (20002 vehicle code) and a felony (20001 vehicle code) hit and run charge? The key difference is the extent or severity of the other person in the accident's injuries.

This is determined on a case by case basis as part of the police investigation of the accident and medical documentation to determine not only the injury claim made by the other party, but determine by a medical evaluation by a doctor or a hospital.

Los Angeles hit & run lawyers can interpret this evaluation and obtain more detailed information from the officer or investigator who is assigned to your case. Our law firm has represented thousands of clients facing possible hit and run charges and have been able to obtain this information even when it's too early to obtain any accident report. This is a very powerful advantage to the benefit of hiring a Los Angeles hit and run attorney.

We have found that it is impossible to predict any injury claim, or its severity. We have represented clients in major collisions that walk away with no injury at all. We have also represented clients in extremely minor collisions where people claim their neck or back hurts. There is no specific guideline in the law that determines whether a case should be considered as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Typically felony hit and run accidents involve more severe type of injuries, like fractures, major lacerations or head trauma. People who are transported by ambulance for medical evaluation and treatment are more likely to have greater injury, but we have also found that these same people very often are just taken to the hospital for evaluation and frequently are not that seriously injured. Soft tissue injuries like complaints of pain like whiplash or muscle soreness are generally considered misdemeanor type injuries.

Los Angeles County Felony Hit & Run Lawyers like Hoffman & Associates

have successfully protected their clients for over 30 years when they are facing misdemeanor and felony hit and run charges.

Clients should be aware that it is the city or district attorney (depending upon the court location) that determine what level of charge to be filed after the investigating police department complete their accident report and are reviewed for this critical issue of the extent of any injury. Many of our clients are fortunate enough that their accidents are property damage only or no injury claim is present. The police department investigating each case do not make that decision or have the authority to file any criminal charges.

If you have been involved in a Los Angeles Felony Hit & Run Accident or in Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County or San Bernardino County you should immediately consult with a law firm that specializes in representing clients on hit and run cases to understand your options and to proactively defend and protect you. Time is of the essence and you should seek these services immediately and as close as possible to the time of the accident.

An experienced hit and run defense lawyer can carefully review all of the facts and circumstances of each client's case looking at positive factors which will put the client in the best light of the law.

The lawyers at Hoffman & Associates have been able to achieve a high percentage of cases being handled civilly through insurance or reimbursement to the other party and avoid criminal prosecution.

Our many years of experience, strong and positive relationships with all of the police departments in Southern California have made this possible.

Our law firm of Los Angeles hit and run lawyersare well versed in alternatives to avoid all or most of the associated potential penalties which come from a court conviction. We take advantage of all possible legal diversionary type programs thus avoiding a high percentage of court convictions for our clients and the penalties that go along with them.

We strive and fight to keep all of our client's freedom and good records. Call today for a free phone consultation to learn about your options and about how our effective winning strategies can work for you.