Hit and Run DUI Attorney in Long Beach

When you’re facing hit and run DUI charges in Long Beach, California, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, your driver’s license, your career, and your future are all on the line. A hit and run DUI is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face in California, combining two separate offenses that each carry severe penalties. Understanding your rights, the legal process, and having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference between a conviction that destroys your life and a favorable outcome that protects your future.

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we specialize in defending clients throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County who are facing hit and run DUI charges. Our experienced legal team understands the complexity of these cases and knows how to build a powerful defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. We fight tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding Hit and Run DUI Charges in Long Beach

A hit and run DUI occurs when a driver is involved in a traffic collision while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and then leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, render aid, or report the accident to law enforcement. This combination of offenses creates a particularly serious legal situation because it involves both:

1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) – Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152
2. Hit and Run – Violation of California Vehicle Code Sections 20001 (injury) or 20002 (property damage)

When these two offenses occur together, prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions, and judges impose harsh penalties. The consequences can include years in state prison, substantial fines, permanent license revocation, and a felony criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life.

The Alarming Statistics in Long Beach

Long Beach has seen a troubling increase in traffic-related incidents, making hit and run DUI defense more critical than ever. According to recent data, Long Beach recorded 53 fatal crashes resulting in 54 fatalities in 2025^[1], marking it as one of the deadliest years on record for the city. From July 2024 to July 2025, there were 215 pedestrian-involved crashes citywide, and Long Beach ranks as California’s 8th deadliest city for crashes on both surface streets and freeways.

Hit and run incidents remain alarmingly frequent throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. Statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety^[2] show that approximately 50% of all traffic accidents in Greater Los Angeles are classified as hit and runs, compared to just 11% nationwide. A hit and run occurs every 18 minutes in the area, with dozens killed and hundreds injured annually.

DUI-related crashes continue to play a significant role in fatal accidents. California saw over 1,300 annual deaths in collisions caused by impaired drivers in 2023^[2], representing roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the state. As of October 2025, alcohol-related fatalities had increased by about 50% over the past decade statewide.

In Los Angeles County specifically, 19,712 DUI arrests were recorded in 2022^[3], averaging about 54 arrests per day. LA County accounts for nearly 20% of all DUI arrests in California, making it the highest in the state. In LA County, 6,291 victims were injured or killed in alcohol-involved car accidents in 2022.

These statistics underscore the serious nature of hit and run DUI charges and why having aggressive, experienced legal representation is absolutely essential.

California Vehicle Code Sections: What You’re Facing

To understand the severity of hit and run DUI charges, it’s important to know the specific California laws involved:

DUI Offenses (Vehicle Code 23152)

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 makes it illegal to:

• 23152(a): Operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• 23152(b): Operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher

First Offense DUI Penalties:

• Misdemeanor charge
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines and assessments often exceeding $2,000
• 6-month license suspension
• Mandatory DUI education program (typically 3 to 9 months)
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for a minimum period
• Possible probation

Subsequent Offenses or Aggravated Cases:

• Increased jail or prison time
• Longer license suspension or permanent revocation
• Higher fines reaching tens of thousands of dollars
• Possible felony charges if there are injuries, deaths, or prior convictions
• Mandatory IID installation for extended periods

Hit and Run Offenses (Vehicle Code 20001 and 20002)

Vehicle Code 20002 – Hit and Run with Property Damage Only (Misdemeanor):

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000 (plus restitution to victims for property damage)
• 2 points on your driving record
• Possible probation
• Mandatory community service

Vehicle Code 20001 – Hit and Run Causing Injury or Death (Felony):

• 2 to 4 years in state prison for injuries
• Up to 4 years or more if the collision results in a fatality
• Fines between $1,000 and $10,000
• Full restitution to victims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages
• Permanent felony conviction on your criminal record
• Possible additional prison time if multiple victims or aggravating circumstances

Combined Hit and Run DUI Charges

When DUI and hit and run occur together, you can be charged separately for both offenses, leading to significantly more severe penalties:

• Consecutive jail or prison sentences (sentences running one after another, not concurrently)
• Combined fines easily exceeding $20,000
• Long-term or permanent license revocation
• Felony record affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, and civil rights
• Mandatory restitution for all damages and injuries
• Enhanced sentencing if there are aggravating factors

The combination of these charges means you’re facing potential prison time even as a first-time offender if injuries occurred. The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting every aspect of your life.

The Legal Process for Hit and Run DUI Cases in Long Beach

Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and allow you to make informed decisions about your defense. Here’s how the legal process typically unfolds in Long Beach:

1. The Initial Investigation and Arrest

After a hit and run accident, the Long Beach Police Department^[4] launches an investigation to identify and locate the driver. This may involve:

• Witness statements and descriptions
• Surveillance footage from traffic cameras, businesses, or residential security systems
• Physical evidence at the scene (paint transfer, vehicle parts, tire marks)
• Vehicle registration database searches based on descriptions
• Social media posts or tips from the public

If you’re identified as a suspect, police may come to your home or workplace to question you, conduct field sobriety tests if they suspect current intoxication, request a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine), or arrest you on the spot if there’s probable cause.

Critical Advice: Exercise your right to remain silent and immediately request an attorney. Do not provide statements or explanations without legal representation, no matter how innocent you believe you are or how convincingly officers promise leniency for cooperation.

2. The Two-Track Legal Process: DMV and Criminal Court

A DUI in California triggers two separate proceedings:

DMV Administrative Hearing:

• Your driver’s license is typically confiscated at arrest, and you receive a 30-day temporary license
• You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the automatic license suspension
• This hearing is separate from criminal court and focuses solely on whether you should retain driving privileges
• The DMV hearing examines: (1) whether the officer had reasonable cause to stop you, (2) whether you were lawfully arrested, and (3) whether your BAC was 0.08% or higher
• Failure to request a hearing within 10 days results in automatic license suspension

Criminal Court Proceedings:

• Separate from the DMV process, your case is filed in the Long Beach Courthouse (Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Avenue)
• The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes the case
• Multiple court appearances are required throughout the process
• Penalties can include jail/prison time, fines, probation, mandatory programs, and restitution

3. Arraignment

The arraignment is your first court appearance, typically occurring within 48 hours of arrest (if in custody) or several weeks later (if released on bail or own recognizance). During the arraignment:

• The judge formally informs you of the charges against you
• Your constitutional rights are explained
• You enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest
• Bail is set or modified if you’re in custody
• Future court dates are scheduled

What You Should Do: Plead not guilty. This preserves all your legal options and gives your attorney time to investigate the case, challenge evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors.

4. Pretrial Proceedings

This is where your defense attorney does critical work to build your case:

• Discovery: Your attorney obtains all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you, including police reports and witness statements, dash cam or body cam footage, breathalyzer or blood test results and calibration records, accident reconstruction reports, and medical records if injuries are claimed.
• Motion Practice: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal stops or searches, dismiss charges due to lack of evidence or procedural violations, challenge the reliability and admissibility of chemical test results, and exclude witness testimony that is unreliable or prejudicial.
• Plea Negotiations: Your attorney engages with prosecutors to negotiate for reduced charges (such as reducing felony hit and run to misdemeanor, or DUI to reckless driving), seek alternative sentencing options like probation, diversion programs, or treatment programs, arrange for dismissal of one or more charges in exchange for a plea to lesser charges, and minimize jail time and financial penalties.
• Investigation: Your attorney conducts an independent investigation by interviewing witnesses who may support your version of events, retaining expert witnesses (accident reconstruction specialists, toxicologists, medical experts), examining the accident scene and collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage from alternative sources, and investigating the arresting officer’s record and training.

5. Trial

If your case cannot be resolved through pretrial negotiations, it proceeds to trial. During trial, the prosecution must prove every element of each charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney challenges the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and presents your defense. Expert witnesses may testify about technical issues such as BAC calculations, accident reconstruction, and medical causation. The jury deliberates and must reach a unanimous verdict.

If acquitted, you’re free to go with no conviction on your record. If convicted, the case proceeds to sentencing.

6. Sentencing

If you’re convicted or enter a plea agreement, the judge imposes a sentence that may include jail or prison time, substantial fines and court fees, restitution to victims for all damages, probation with strict conditions, mandatory DUI education programs, installation of an ignition interlock device, community service, and license suspension or revocation.

Your attorney advocates for the most lenient sentence possible, presenting mitigating factors and arguing for alternatives to incarceration.

Building a Strong Defense: How We Fight Hit and Run DUI Charges

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we leave no stone unturned in defending our clients. Every case is unique, and we develop customized defense strategies based on the specific facts and circumstances. Here are some of the most effective defenses we employ:

Challenging the DUI Evidence

• Improper Stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained afterward may be suppressed. We examine whether the stop was justified based on actual traffic violations or erratic driving, or whether it was based on profiling or hunches.
• Faulty Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are notoriously unreliable and subjective. Many factors can cause a sober person to “fail” these tests including medical conditions (inner ear problems, neurological disorders, knee or ankle injuries), environmental conditions (uneven pavement, poor lighting, bad weather), improper administration by the officer, and nervousness or anxiety. We challenge the validity and reliability of these tests.
• Breathalyzer Errors: Breathalyzer devices are machines that require regular calibration and maintenance. We investigate calibration records and maintenance logs, whether the device was approved by California’s Title 17 regulations, whether the officer was properly trained and certified, whether the 15-minute observation period was followed, and whether mouth alcohol, GERD, or other factors contaminated the sample.
• Blood Test Issues: Blood tests can also be challenged based on chain of custody problems, improper storage (temperature, contamination), fermentation of the sample over time, lab errors or contamination, and whether the blood draw was conducted by a qualified person in a proper medical setting.
• Rising Blood Alcohol: Your BAC may have been below the legal limit while driving but rose to illegal levels by the time testing occurred. Alcohol takes time to absorb into the bloodstream, and we can present expert testimony showing you were legal while driving.

Challenging the Hit and Run Evidence

• Lack of Knowledge: You may not have known an accident occurred. Minor collisions, such as lightly tapping another vehicle in traffic or bumping a parked car, may go unnoticed, especially in poor weather, at night, or in heavy traffic. If you genuinely didn’t know you were in an accident, you can’t be guilty of hit and run.
• Incorrect Identification: Hit and run cases often rely on witness descriptions and partial license plate numbers. Witnesses make mistakes, especially in stressful situations. We challenge the reliability of witness identifications, whether surveillance footage actually shows your vehicle, whether physical evidence conclusively links your vehicle to the scene, and whether someone else was driving your vehicle.
• Improper Investigation: Police must follow proper procedures when investigating hit and run cases. We examine whether evidence was properly collected and preserved, your rights were violated during questioning, witnesses were properly interviewed and statements documented, and the accident scene was thoroughly investigated.

Constitutional Violations

• Illegal Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If police stopped you without reasonable suspicion, arrested you without probable cause, searched your vehicle without a warrant or valid exception, or entered your home without consent or a warrant, any evidence obtained may be suppressed and cannot be used against you.
• Violation of Miranda Rights: If you were in custody and subjected to interrogation without being advised of your Miranda rights, any statements you made may be inadmissible.

Mitigating Circumstances

Even when the evidence is strong, we work to minimize the consequences by demonstrating this was an isolated incident and you have no prior criminal history, showing you’ve taken responsibility by entering treatment programs or counseling, presenting evidence of good character, employment history, and community ties, arguing that harsh punishment would cause disproportionate harm to you and your family, and negotiating for alternative sentencing like house arrest, work furlough, or probation.

The Consequences of a Hit and Run DUI Conviction

The impact of a conviction extends far beyond the courtroom. Understanding these consequences underscores why aggressive defense representation is absolutely critical:

Immediate Legal Consequences

• Incarceration: Depending on whether charges are misdemeanor or felony, you could face county jail (up to 1 year for misdemeanors) or state prison (2 to 4+ years for felonies, or longer with enhancements).
• Fines and Restitution: Financial penalties can be devastating including court fines of $1,000 to $10,000+, court costs and assessments that can triple the total amount, full restitution to victims for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, with total costs easily exceeding $50,000 or more.
• License Consequences: Suspension for months or years, permanent revocation for multiple offenses, requirement to install and maintain an ignition interlock device at your expense, and SR-22 insurance requirements (high-risk insurance that is extremely expensive).

Long-Term Consequences

• Criminal Record: A conviction, especially a felony, creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment opportunities (many employers conduct background checks), professional licenses (doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, and others may lose licenses), housing applications (landlords often reject applicants with criminal records), educational opportunities (scholarships, admissions, and financial aid may be impacted), and immigration status (non-citizens face deportation for certain convictions).
• Insurance: Your auto insurance will skyrocket or be canceled entirely. SR-22 insurance can cost 3-4 times normal rates and must be maintained for years.
• Personal and Family Impact: Relationship strain from incarceration, financial stress, and stigma, loss of income and career advancement, difficulty traveling (some countries deny entry to those with criminal records), and loss of civil rights (felons lose voting rights while incarcerated and on parole, and permanently lose gun rights).

Why Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista?

When you’re facing hit and run DUI charges in Long Beach, you need an attorney who will fight relentlessly for your rights and your future. Here’s what sets us apart:

Experience and Expertise

We have extensive experience defending DUI and hit and run cases throughout Los Angeles County. We understand the local court system, know the prosecutors and judges, and have a proven track record of successful outcomes. Our legal team stays current on the latest developments in DUI law, defense strategies, and forensic science.

Personalized Attention

You’re not just a case number to us. We take the time to understand your unique situation, concerns, and goals. We’re accessible when you need us and keep you informed throughout every stage of your case.

Aggressive Defense

We challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case. From the moment we take your case, we’re working to find weaknesses in the evidence, violations of your rights, and opportunities for dismissal or reduction of charges. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position.

Bilingual Services

We proudly serve the Spanish-speaking community in Long Beach and throughout Southern California. Nuestra firma habla español, y entendemos las necesidades únicas de nuestra comunidad latina. We communicate with you in the language you’re most comfortable with and ensure you fully understand your rights and options.

Comprehensive Support

We don’t just handle the criminal charges—we help you navigate the DMV process, protect your driving privileges, and address all the collateral consequences of DUI charges. We coordinate with treatment programs, connect you with resources, and work to minimize the impact on your life.

Understanding Your Rights During a DUI Investigation

Knowledge is power, especially when dealing with law enforcement. Understanding your constitutional rights can prevent you from unknowingly incriminating yourself:

The Right to Remain Silent

You are not required to answer questions from police beyond providing your name, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You do not have to explain where you were or where you’re going, tell them whether you’ve been drinking, answer questions about how much you drank, or explain why you left the scene of an accident.

Politely state: “I’m exercising my right to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.”

The Right to Refuse Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, horizontal gaze nystagmus) are voluntary in California. You can politely refuse these tests without penalty. These tests are subjective, difficult to perform even when sober, and designed to collect evidence against you.

Chemical Testing: Know Your Obligations

California’s implied consent law (Vehicle Code 23612) means that by driving in California, you’ve agreed to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. However, pre-arrest preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath tests are generally voluntary (unless you’re under 21 or on DUI probation), while post-arrest chemical tests (blood or breath) are mandatory, and refusal results in enhanced penalties and automatic license suspension.

The Right to an Attorney

You have the right to consult with an attorney before answering questions. However, this right is limited when it comes to chemical testing—you cannot delay testing to speak with an attorney first, as delays can result in dissipation of evidence and refusal charges.

Specialized DUI Situations: Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can significantly enhance the penalties in a hit and run DUI case:

High BAC (0.15% or Higher)

If your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% or higher, you face enhanced penalties including longer DUI education programs (up to 9 months for first offense), longer IID installation requirements, potential for increased jail time, and prosecutors and judges view high BAC as evidence of particularly dangerous conduct.

Injury or Death

When the hit and run DUI involves injuries or fatalities, the consequences escalate dramatically. Vehicle Code 23153 (DUI Causing Injury) is a felony charge carrying a state prison sentence (16 months to 4 years), additional 1-6 years if victims suffer great bodily injury, a strike on your record under California’s Three Strikes law, and restitution to victims potentially totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Prior DUI Convictions

California has a 10-year “lookback” period for DUI convictions. Prior offenses within 10 years result in significantly enhanced penalties including longer jail/prison sentences, higher fines, extended license suspensions, longer mandatory programs, and possible felony charges.

Child Endangerment

If a child under 14 was in your vehicle at the time, you face additional charges under Penal Code 273a (child endangerment) with additional jail time (up to 1 year), separate fines and penalties, potential CPS involvement, and enhanced penalties even on a first offense.

The DMV Hearing: Fighting for Your License

The DMV administrative hearing is separate from criminal court but critically important. This hearing determines whether your license will be suspended or whether you can keep driving (with or without an IID).

Requesting the Hearing

You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing. This deadline is strict—miss it, and your license is automatically suspended. Requesting the hearing stays the suspension until after the hearing, allows you to keep driving with your temporary license, and gives your attorney the opportunity to challenge the suspension.

What Happens at the Hearing

DMV hearings are administrative proceedings, not criminal trials. They’re conducted by a DMV hearing officer (not a judge) and the hearing focuses on whether the officer had reasonable cause to stop you, whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you, and whether you were driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

IID-Restricted License

California now offers Ignition Interlock Device (IID) restricted licenses, allowing you to drive anywhere if you install an IID. The device connects to your vehicle’s ignition and you must provide a breath sample before starting the car. Random retests are required while driving. You pay for installation, monthly rental, and calibration (typically $70-150/month).

Local Long Beach Context

Understanding the local landscape of Long Beach is important for anyone facing criminal charges here. Long Beach is California’s seventh-largest city, with a population of nearly 470,000 residents. The Long Beach Police Department^[4] serves the community with several divisions and specialized units, including Traffic Safety and DUI enforcement teams. The department has increased enforcement efforts in recent years in response to rising traffic fatalities, conducting regular DUI checkpoints and enhanced patrols, particularly on weekends and holidays.

The Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse at 275 Magnolia Avenue handles most criminal cases for Long Beach, including DUI and hit and run prosecutions. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety^[5], Long Beach consistently ranks among California cities with higher-than-average DUI arrest and collision rates.

Major corridors like Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue, and the 405, 710, and 91 freeways see high volumes of traffic and, consequently, higher rates of accidents. The Long Beach Crime Dashboard^[6] provides public access to crime statistics, showing trends in DUI arrests and traffic enforcement.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Future

If you’re facing hit and run DUI charges in Long Beach, time is critical. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses’ memories fade, and deadlines approach quickly—particularly the 10-day deadline to request a DMV hearing. The decisions you make in the coming days can profoundly impact the rest of your life.

Don’t face this alone. Don’t rely on a public defender who is overworked and under-resourced. Don’t trust promises from prosecutors or investigators who are building a case against you. You need experienced, aggressive legal representation from an attorney who will fight for your rights and your freedom.

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we’re ready to defend you. We offer:

• Free initial consultations to evaluate your case
• 24/7 availability for urgent matters
• Flexible payment plans
• Bilingual services in English and Spanish
• Representation throughout Los Angeles County

Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation. Visit us online at / or call our office to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will listen to your story, explain your options, and start building your defense immediately.

Your future is worth fighting for. Let Tu Defensor Criminalista be your advocate, your defender, and your path to the best possible outcome. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, whether this is your first offense or you have prior convictions, whether the evidence seems strong or weak—we have the knowledge, skill, and dedication to fight for the best possible result in your case.

Don’t wait another day. The prosecution is already building their case against you. Make sure you have an experienced criminal defense team building your defense. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista now at / and take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your license, and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protecting Your Immigration Status

• For non-citizens, a DUI or hit and run conviction can have devastating immigration consequences. Certain convictions make you deportable under federal immigration law, including aggravated felonies and crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs). While a simple first-time DUI misdemeanor is generally not deportable, hit and run (especially felony) and DUI with aggravating factors can be.
• Convictions can also make you inadmissible, preventing you from returning to the U.S. after travel abroad, adjusting status (getting a green card), or naturalization (becoming a U.S. citizen). Hit and run involving injury is generally considered a crime involving moral turpitude because it involves knowledge, intent, and disregard for others’ safety.
• When representing non-citizens, we consult with immigration attorneys to understand precise consequences, negotiate for charges that are immigration-safe when possible, seek alternative sentencing that avoids deportability triggers, fight cases to trial when necessary to avoid conviction, and explore post-conviction relief options if already convicted.

Critical: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, inform your attorney immediately. Immigration consequences must be a primary consideration in your defense strategy.

Contact Information

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide the immediate assistance you need. Call now for a confidential consultation to discuss your case, explore your options, and begin building your defense. Your future depends on the decisions you make today.

Citations and References

Throughout this page, we’ve referenced authoritative sources to provide you with accurate, factual information. Below is a complete list of citations:

1. NBC Los Angeles – Long Beach records one of the deadliest years on its roads (2025): https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/long-beach-deadly-crashes-2025/3821908/^[1]
2. California Office of Traffic Safety – Data and Statistics: https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/data-and-statistics/^[2]
3. California Office of Traffic Safety – Crash Rankings Results: https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/crash-rankings-results/^[5]
4. California DMV – 2022 DUI Management Information System Report: https://qr.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2023/09/2022-DUI-MIS-Report.pdf^[3]
5. City of Long Beach Police Department: https://www.longbeach.gov/police/^[4]
6. City of Long Beach Crime Dashboard and Statistics: https://www.longbeach.gov/police/crime-info/crime-statistics/^[6]