Driving under the influence is already one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in California. But when alcohol or drugs are involved and you leave the scene of an accident, the situation becomes exponentially worse.
A DUI with hit-and-run isn’t “just another traffic case.” It’s the kind of charge that can destroy your freedom, your record, your finances, and your future if not handled correctly that’s why you need a DUI Attorney to defend your right.
This article explains what DUI + hit-and-run actually means, what laws apply, the real penalties you may face, and why hiring the right attorney can make the difference between jail time and a second chance.
What Counts as a DUI With Hit-and-Run in California?
In California, two separate crimes can stack on top of each other:
1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
You may be charged with DUI if you drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or while your mental or physical abilities are impaired due to alcohol or drugs.
2. Hit-and-Run
You commit hit and run when you’re involved in any collision and fail to:
- Stop immediately
- Exchange your information
- Provide aid if someone is injured
- Report the accident when required
This applies even if the crash was minor, even if “no one saw you,” and even if you “panicked.”
Penalties for DUI with hit-and-run:
Most people underestimate how devastating a DUI with hit-and-run can be — even on a first offense.
Hit-and-Run (Property Damage Only):
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- License suspension
- Restitution to victims
- Criminal record
Hit-and-Run Causing Injury or Death (VC §20001):
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, fines up to $10,000
- Felony: Up to 4 years in state prison, large fines, probation, restitution, civil lawsuits, permanent felony record
When hit-and-run combined with DUI, prosecutors often push for additional serious charges:
- DUI causing injury
- Felony DUI
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
This is not a slap on the wrist — a DUI hit-and-run can completely alter the course of your life.
Why You Should Be Seriously Concerned
Here’s the reality most people don’t understand until it’s too late:
1. Jail or Prison Is a Real Possibility
For DUI + hit-and-run, judges often impose jail time even for first offenders, especially if someone was hurt.
2. The Financial Damage Can Be Enormous
You may face:
- Restitution
- Civil lawsuits
- Long-term wage garnishment
- Sky-high insurance rates
- Mandatory classes
- Towing, impound, and administrative fees
A single incident can cost tens of thousands of dollars — or more.
3. Your Driver’s License May Be Suspended or Revoked
This affects your job, your family, and your entire daily life.
4. You Can End Up with a Permanent Criminal Record
A hit-and-run combined with DUI is something employers, landlords, and licensing agencies take very seriously.
5. Immigration Consequences (If Applicable)
Crimes involving moral turpitude, injuries, or DUI enhancements can put non-citizens at serious risk.
This is why DUI + hit-and-run is considered one of the most high-stakes criminal charges a person can face.
Comparing Standard DUI vs. DUI with Hit-and-Run in California:
Not all DUIs are created equal. While a standard DUI is serious on its own, adding a hit-and-run to the mix dramatically increases legal consequences, jail time, fines, and long-term repercussions. The table below breaks down the key differences so you can see just how much more dangerous a DUI with hit-and-run can be.
| Feature | Standard DUI | DUI with Hit-and-Run |
| Definition | Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BAC ≥ 0.08%) | Driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash (property damage, injury, or death) without stopping or reporting |
| Legal Code | California Vehicle Code §23152(a) | California Vehicle Code §20002 (property damage) / §20001 (injury or death) + §23152(a) for DUI |
| Severity | Usually misdemeanor (unless prior DUIs or injury) | Misdemeanor for property damage; felony if injury or death occurs |
| First Offense Jail | Up to 6 months | Property damage: up to 6 months
Injury/death: up to 4 years |
| Fines | $390–$1,000 | Property damage: up to $1,000Injury/death: up to $10,000 |
| License Impact | Suspension 6–10 months | Suspension or revocation; longer if felony or injury |
| Additional Consequences | DUI school, probation, possible ignition interlock | Restitution to victims, felony record, longer probation, high insurance impact, possible civil lawsuits |
| Risk Level | High, but lower than hit-and-run | Extremely high; fleeing the scene significantly increases penalties and prosecutor aggressiveness |
| Key Note | Can escalate with BAC > 0.15%, prior DUIs, or injury | Leaving the scene adds a “consciousness of guilt” factor — courts take it very seriously |
What To Do If You’re Charged?
If you or someone you love is facing a DUI with hit-and-run, here is the MOST important rule:
Do not face this alone. Do not delay. Do not talk without a lawyer.
Police investigators, prosecutors, and insurance companies will all try to gather information to build the case against you. A single sentence can be used as an admission of guilt.
You need a defense strategy starting immediately, including:
- Challenging the DUI evidence
- Examining police procedure
- Investigating whether you knowingly left the scene
- Examining witnesses and surveillance
- Negotiating to reduce or dismiss charges
- Protecting your criminal record
An experienced DUI with hit-and-run attorney can sometimes reduce a felony to a misdemeanor, prevent prison time, negotiate alternatives to jail, or even challenge the legality of the stop, arrest, or evidence.
Final Thought:
A DUI with hit-and-run charge is terrifying — and it should be. The stakes are enormous.
You could be looking at jail, a felony record, massive fines, license loss, and long-term consequences that follow you for years. But the right legal help can change everything.
