Orange County Hit & Run Defense Attorney

California Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hit and run, or leaving the scene of an accident, is a serious criminal offense in California. This crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the severity of the accident and any injury or death which results.

Have you been accused of a hit and run? If so, it is important to retain the services of a qualified defense lawyer as soon as possible. Particularly in the case of a car accident, working quickly is crucial. Important evidence may be removed or cleared away, witnesses may forget important details and you may be charged with a crime. If your lawyer can work quickly and disqualify the State’s (prosecution’s) case against you, you may be able to avoid having charges filed against you at all.

I’m Barney B. Gibbs, and I am an Orange County criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law for over 25 years. I have personally handled over 2,000 cases and have secured dismissed charges for over 1,000 cases. I take on cases throughout Tustin, Anaheim, Irvine, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, California. Regardless of the specific circumstances involving your hit and run case, I may still be able to help. I offer a free consultation to discuss your case – to see what can be done.

Hit and Run in California

It is important to work with a skilled defense lawyer if you, a friend or family member has been arrested for hit and run. In California, if you are convicted of hit and run, you may face different penalties depending upon the accident and injuries involved.

• Hit and run involving injury: may be charged as a misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of up to 1 year in county jail, as well as fines of $1,000 to $10,000.
• Hit and run involving death: charged as a felony, with a minimum sentence of 90 days to 1 year of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. May include a state prison sentence of several years.

You may also face a civil lawsuit brought about in order for the victim to collect compensation for injuries suffered. The family of a victim who has lost his life may also file a lawsuit to collect damages. Your attorney, however, may be able to prove your innocence by showing that you had no knowledge that you were actually involved in an accident, or that you were not involved in the accident at all. Alternative sentencing or lessened charges may be an option as well. You will need an attorney who can create an innovative defense strategy that will offer you the best opportunity to avoid maximum penalties.

Contact Orange County hit and run defense attorney Barney B. Gibbs today!