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I was charged with a hit and run DUI. It's my first offense. What are the possible penalties of jail time and fines?
Anonymous1 views2 answers
I left the scene where no one observed the accident, parked my car and returned to the scene out of guilt. I saw several police cars and became frightened and attempted to walk past the scene where I was questioned by one of the officers. We went to my car where the officers inspected the damage and linked me to the accident. I was given a breathalyzer and blew a 0.16 and was immediately arrested and spent the night in jail. Though I have been in 3 car accidents in the last 5 years which were my fault I have an otherwise clean record and have had no traffic violations in the last 2 years.
The first question to ask is whether or not this involve an injury to another person. It appears from the tenor of your question that it does not. If there is no injuries, then it would be a misdemeanor and the penalties for a first time DUI are 48 hours to 6 months jail, fines approaching $2000.00, DUI school, and usually informal probation for 3 years. The penalties for the hit and run (property damage only) could be up to 6 months in jail (no minimum) and a fine or both. These, if convicted of both, can run concurrent with each other or consecutive. It would be wise to seek counsel from a local attorney who specializes in DUI cases. They can be found in organizations like the California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA). Good Luck.
Given the facts of the case as you have given them I would highly recommend talking to a criminal attorney that focuses on DUI’s. Depending upon your statements made to the police and along with other facts in your case may have a valid defense.
