If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for hit and run DUI in Inglewood, you’re facing some of the most serious DUI-related charges in California—charges that can result in years in state prison, substantial fines, felony convictions, license revocation, strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law, and devastating consequences affecting your freedom, employment, and future. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we provide aggressive, experienced legal representation to defend against all hit and run DUI charges throughout Inglewood and Los Angeles County.
Hit and run DUI charges arise when law enforcement alleges that you were involved in a traffic collision while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and then fled the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid. These cases are prosecuted far more aggressively than standard DUI because they involve potential victims, property damage, and what prosecutors characterize as consciousness of guilt by leaving the scene. Hit and run DUI arrests occur throughout Inglewood on the Century Freeway (I-105), Manchester Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard, La Brea Avenue, and residential streets when accidents occur and drivers panic, flee due to fear or confusion, or leave because they’re unaware they were involved in a collision. Many people charged with hit and run DUI made split-second decisions in moments of panic, didn’t realize they hit anything, had legitimate reasons for leaving, or face charges based on misidentification by witnesses who incorrectly identified the wrong vehicle. The consequences of hit and run DUI convictions are catastrophic—felony convictions for hit and run causing injury, mandatory prison sentences, strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law, permanent revocation of driving privileges, massive restitution obligations to victims, and civil liability exposure totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. We’ve successfully defended hundreds of clients facing hit and run DUI charges throughout Southern California, achieving reduced charges, favorable plea agreements, dismissals based on insufficient evidence or mistaken identity, and outcomes that protect our clients’ freedom and futures.
Understanding California’s Hit and Run DUI Laws
Hit and run DUI involves violations of multiple California statutes, with penalties depending on whether property damage or injuries occurred.
California Vehicle Code Section 20002 – Hit and Run with Property Damage Only
According to California Vehicle Code Section 20002[1], if you’re involved in accident resulting in property damage to vehicles or other property, you must immediately stop at the scene, locate and notify the property owner, and provide your identifying information and vehicle registration. Failure to do so constitutes misdemeanor hit and run.
Elements Prosecutors Must Prove:
You were driving a vehicle involved in an accident
The accident caused damage to property (another vehicle, fence, mailbox, building, etc.)
You knew you were involved in an accident or knew from the nature of the accident that it was probable property was damaged
You willfully failed to stop at the scene and/or failed to provide required information to the property owner
Penalties for VC 20002:
Up to 6 months in county jail
Fine up to $1,000
2 points on DMV driving record
Restitution to property owners for damages
Summary probation
When Combined with DUI: When hit and run property damage occurs while DUI, you face:
Separate hit and run charge (VC 20002)
Separate DUI charges (VC 23152(a) and/or (b))
Enhanced penalties for the combination
Stronger prosecution case (fleeing suggests consciousness of guilt)
Significant restitution obligations
California Vehicle Code Section 20001 – Hit and Run with Injury
Vehicle Code Section 20001 addresses hit and run involving injury or death—far more serious charges carrying felony penalties.
Elements Prosecutors Must Prove:
While driving, you were involved in an accident
The accident caused injury or death to someone other than yourself
You knew you were in an accident that injured someone, or knew from the nature of the accident that someone was probably injured
You willfully failed to perform required duties:
Stop immediately at scene
Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
Give your name, address, vehicle registration to injured person, police, or witnesses
If other party unable to receive information, report accident to police or CHP immediately
Penalties for Felony VC 20001:
16 months, 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison
Fine up to $10,000
Strike under California’s Three Strikes Law if victim suffered serious or great bodily injury
Substantial restitution to victims (often $50,000-$500,000+)
License revocation
Civil liability exposure
Misdemeanor VC 20001: If injuries were minor, prosecutors may charge as misdemeanor:
Up to 1 year in county jail
Fine up to $10,000
Restitution to victims
When Combined with DUI Causing Injury (VC 23153): The most serious combination, resulting in:
Felony DUI causing injury charges (16 months to 4 years base, plus enhancements)
Felony hit and run charges (16 months to 4 years)
Potential consecutive sentences (5-10+ years state prison total)
Strikes under Three Strikes Law
Mandatory restitution often totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars
Civil lawsuits for damages
Permanent license revocation
DUI Causing Injury – Vehicle Code Section 23153
When DUI results in injuries to others, prosecutors charge felony DUI under VC 23153:
Penalties:
16 months to 4 years state prison (base term)
Additional 3 years for great bodily injury (GBI) to any person (PC 12022.7)
Additional 6 years for GBI causing permanent serious impairment
Additional 1 year for each additional injured victim (up to 3 additional years)
Strike conviction if GBI enhancement applies
5-year habitual traffic offender designation
Substantial fines and mandatory restitution
Hit and Run Plus DUI Injury: When you flee scene of DUI injury accident:
Separate felony counts for each charge
Potential consecutive sentences (served one after another)
Devastating immigration consequences for non-citizens
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated
If hit and run DUI results in death, charges escalate to vehicular manslaughter:
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated (PC 191.5(a)):
4, 6, or 10 years state prison
Strike conviction
Applies when gross negligence caused death
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated (PC 191.5(b)):
16 months, 2, or 4 years state prison
Applies when ordinary negligence caused death
Hit and Run Plus Vehicular Manslaughter: Combination results in:
Multiple felony convictions
Consecutive prison sentences totaling 8-15+ years
Restitution to victim’s family
Civil wrongful death liability
Lifetime license revocation
Permanent inability to expunge convictions
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety[2], hit and run collisions remain a serious public safety concern throughout California, with thousands of hit and run crashes annually resulting in injuries and fatalities. The California Highway Patrol[3] prioritizes investigation and apprehension of hit and run drivers, particularly those involving DUI.
Hit and Run DUI in Inglewood and South Los Angeles
Inglewood, with a population of approximately 107,000 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau[4], experiences regular traffic accidents on its busy streets and nearby freeways, with some involving DUI and hit and run circumstances.
Common Hit and Run DUI Scenarios in Inglewood
Century Freeway (I-105) Collisions: Major east-west freeway through Inglewood sees frequent accidents:
High-speed collisions between impaired and other drivers
Multi-vehicle accidents where impaired driver flees
Side-swipe accidents where driver doesn’t realize they hit another vehicle
CHP aggressive investigation to identify fleeing drivers
Manchester Boulevard Accidents: Inglewood’s main commercial thoroughfare experiences:
Rear-end collisions at traffic signals
Parking lot accidents at shopping centers
Pedestrian accidents near businesses and crosswalks
Drivers panicking and fleeing after collisions
Residential Area Accidents: Hit and run DUI in Inglewood neighborhoods often involves:
Striking parked vehicles on residential streets
Hitting mailboxes, fences, or property
Single-vehicle accidents into trees, poles, or buildings
Drivers walking away from crashed vehicles
Crenshaw Boulevard and La Brea Avenue: High-traffic arterials see:
Lane-change collisions
Intersection accidents during red light running
Sideswipe accidents
Fleeing drivers using side streets to escape
Downtown Inglewood Near The Forum and SoFi Stadium: Entertainment district experiences:
Accidents on event nights (concerts, games)
Impaired drivers leaving events
Parking lot collisions
Heavy pedestrian traffic creating accident risks
Why People Flee After DUI Accidents
Panic and Fear: Most common reason—driver panics after accident and flees due to:
Fear of DUI arrest
Prior DUI convictions creating fear of felony charges
Immigration concerns
Outstanding warrants
Suspended license
Uninsured vehicle
Being on probation or parole
Impaired Judgment: Alcohol or drug intoxication causes:
Inability to properly assess situation
Poor decision-making in critical moments
Confusion about legal obligations
Delayed realization of accident severity
Unawareness of Collision: Some drivers genuinely don’t realize they:
Hit another vehicle (minor contact they didn’t feel)
Struck object or property
Were involved in accident
Caused any damage
Intent to Sober Up: Some drivers flee intending to:
Return after sobering up
Avoid immediate DUI detection
Claim they drank after accident (not before)
Fear of Consequences: Drivers with prior convictions or enhanced circumstances flee fearing:
Felony DUI charges
Lengthy prison sentences
Loss of professional licenses
Deportation for non-citizens
How Inglewood Police and CHP Investigate Hit and Run DUI
Immediate Scene Investigation: Inglewood Police Department and CHP conduct thorough investigations:
Evidence Collection:
Photographs of damage to all vehicles/property
Vehicle debris at scene (paint chips, plastic fragments, glass)
Skid marks and accident reconstruction measurements
Witness statements and contact information
Surveillance video from nearby businesses, residences, traffic cameras
Vehicle Identification: Using evidence gathered, investigators:
Check DMV databases for registered owners matching descriptions
Issue BOLO (Be On Lookout) alerts to patrol officers
Search for damaged vehicles matching descriptions at body shops, tow yards, residences
Check license plate readers and traffic cameras along escape routes
Use paint transfer analysis to identify vehicle make/model
Locating Suspect: Once vehicle identified, officers:
Contact registered owner at residence
Respond to owner’s address looking for damaged vehicle
Observe vehicle for fresh damage matching accident description
Interview driver/owner about whereabouts at time of accident
Investigate alibis and statements for inconsistencies
DUI Investigation: If officers contact you hours or days after accident:
Observe current signs of intoxication if contact occurs soon after accident
Question about alcohol consumption before and after accident
Attempt to obtain admission you were drinking before driving
May seek search warrant for blood draw if contact occurs within reasonable timeframe
Use circumstantial evidence including accident dynamics, witness observations, post-accident behavior
Building Case: Prosecutors build hit and run DUI cases using:
Physical evidence linking your vehicle to scene (paint transfer, debris matches)
Witness testimony identifying you or your vehicle
Your statements admitting involvement or alcohol consumption
Damage patterns to vehicles consistent with accident dynamics
Timeline establishing you were driver at time of accident
Prior DUI history showing pattern
Prosecution at Inglewood Courthouse
Hit and run DUI cases are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[5] at Inglewood Courthouse (One Regent Street, Inglewood, CA 90301). These cases receive intensive prosecution attention because:
Public safety concerns about drivers who flee accident scenes
Media attention in serious injury or fatal cases
Community pressure for accountability
Prosecutors aggressively pursue maximum penalties including:
Felony convictions on both hit and run and DUI charges
State prison sentences (often consecutive)
Strikes under Three Strikes Law
Substantial restitution orders totaling tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars
License revocations
Maximum fines and fees
Consequences of Hit and Run DUI Convictions
Criminal Penalties
Property Damage Only (VC 20002 + VC 23152):
Up to 1 year county jail total
Fines totaling $2,000-$5,000+
DUI probation 3-5 years
DUI program completion
Hit and run penalties concurrent or consecutive with DUI
Restitution for all property damage
Community service
License suspension/revocation
Injury Hit and Run DUI (VC 20001 + VC 23153):
2-10+ years state prison (depending on injuries, enhancements, consecutive vs. concurrent sentencing)
Fines up to $10,000+ per charge
Formal felony probation or state prison
Strike conviction(s) under Three Strikes Law
5-year habitual traffic offender status
Restitution potentially $100,000-$500,000+ for serious injuries
Mandatory victim restitution
Civil liability exposure far exceeding criminal restitution
Vehicular Manslaughter Hit and Run:
4-15+ years state prison
Lifetime consequences
Restitution to victim’s families
Civil wrongful death lawsuits often exceeding $1,000,000
Permanent license revocation
Inability to reduce or expunge felony convictions
Driver’s License Consequences
DMV Administrative Penalties:
Felony DUI causing injury: 5-year revocation
Hit and run causing injury: 1-year suspension (can run concurrent)
Multiple violations: Extended revocations
Difficult or impossible license reinstatement
No restricted license available during revocation periods
Habitual traffic offender designation
Restitution and Civil Liability
Criminal Restitution: Courts order full restitution to victims for:
All medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, ongoing treatment, therapy, rehabilitation)
Lost wages (current and future earning capacity)
Property damage to vehicles and other property
Pain and suffering in some circumstances
Total often $50,000-$500,000+ in serious injury cases
Restitution orders enforceable for decades
Civil Lawsuits: Victims file separate civil suits for:
Economic damages (medical expenses, lost income, property damage)
Non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium)
Punitive damages for drunk driving combined with fleeing (often substantial)
Total civil judgments frequently exceed $1,000,000 in serious cases
Cannot be discharged in bankruptcy
Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, hit and run DUI convictions create severe immigration problems. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services[6], these convictions can result in:
Deportation proceedings
Mandatory detention during removal proceedings
Inadmissibility preventing reentry to United States
Denial of naturalization applications
Bars to adjustment of status
Visa denials
Felony convictions, particularly those involving injuries, violence, and moral turpitude, virtually guarantee immigration consequences including removal.
Employment and Professional Consequences
Employment: Felony hit and run DUI convictions eliminate:
Most professional employment opportunities
Government jobs
Positions requiring background checks
Jobs requiring driving
Career advancement opportunities permanently
Professional Licenses: State licensing boards revoke or suspend licenses for:
Doctors, nurses, medical professionals (Medical Board, Board of Registered Nursing)
Teachers and educators (Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
Attorneys (State Bar)
Real estate agents, contractors, appraisers
Commercial drivers (permanent CDL loss)
Security guards (inability to obtain guard card)
Anyone holding professional license requiring disclosure of felony convictions
Three Strikes Law Impact
Hit and run causing great bodily injury constitutes strike under California’s Three Strikes Law:
Plea Negotiations: We negotiate with prosecutors seeking:
Complete dismissal based on weak evidence, lack of knowledge, or mistaken identity
Reduction of felony charges to misdemeanors
Dismissal of hit and run charges in exchange for DUI plea
Alternative sentencing avoiding state prison
Concurrent rather than consecutive sentences on multiple charges
Striking enhancement allegations
Immigration-safe plea agreements for non-citizens
Preliminary Hearing
For felony charges, preliminary hearing held to determine if sufficient evidence exists:
Prosecution presents evidence through witness testimony
We vigorously cross-examine prosecution witnesses
Challenge evidence and witness credibility
Seek dismissals based on insufficient evidence
Create record for trial and preserve testimony
Evaluate case strengths and weaknesses for trial strategy
Trial
If case proceeds to trial after unsuccessful negotiations:
Jury selection identifying fair, impartial jurors
Opening statements outlining defense theory
Cross-examination of prosecution witnesses exposing weaknesses, inconsistencies, bias
Presentation of defense case with witnesses, experts, and evidence
Your testimony if strategically advisable (not required)
Expert testimony on accident reconstruction, medical issues, toxicology
Closing arguments emphasizing reasonable doubt and defense theories
Jury deliberation and verdict
We’re experienced trial attorneys who’ve successfully defended numerous serious hit and run DUI cases at trial.
Sentencing
If convictions result from plea agreement or trial:
We present comprehensive mitigation package
Character letters from family, friends, employers, community members
Evidence of remorse and acceptance of responsibility
Completion of treatment programs, counseling, community service before sentencing
Employment history and family circumstances
Proposals for alternative sentencing (probation, county jail, electronic monitoring)
Arguments for concurrent rather than consecutive sentences
Recommendations from probation department
Victim impact statements (from prosecution)
We fight for minimum sentences, probation where possible, and alternatives to state prison.
What to Do If You’re Involved in Accident
If Currently in Accident Situation Where You’ve Been Drinking:
STOP IMMEDIATELY:
Pull over safely at or very near accident scene
Turn off engine and turn on hazard lights
DO NOT FLEE—leaving makes everything infinitely worse
FULFILL LEGAL OBLIGATIONS:
Check on other parties involved
Call 911 immediately if anyone appears injured
Don’t move seriously injured persons unless necessary for safety
Provide assistance to injured persons as you’re able
EXCHANGE INFORMATION:
Provide your name, address, phone number, driver’s license information
Provide vehicle registration and insurance information
Obtain same information from other parties
Don’t admit fault or discuss who caused accident
Limit statements to necessary factual information exchange
CONTACT ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY:
Before making any statements to police beyond required information
Before answering questions about alcohol consumption
Before submitting to field sobriety tests (you have right to attorney)
We can protect your rights while ensuring you fulfill legal obligations
Yes, you’ll likely be arrested for DUI. But properly handling accident provides best chance for favorable outcome. Fleeing creates additional serious felony charges and eliminates many defense options.
Frequently Asked Questions
I panicked and left accident scene. What should I do now?
Contact experienced attorney immediately before police contact you. We may be able to arrange voluntary surrender, mitigate damage by demonstrating current willingness to take responsibility, and begin damage control. The longer you wait, the worse your legal situation becomes. Don’t wait for arrest—contact us now.
Can hit and run charges be dismissed if I return to scene?
Returning helps demonstrate you’re taking responsibility but doesn’t automatically result in dismissal. However, voluntary return significantly improves negotiations and shows good faith. Contact attorney before returning to scene or contacting police to discuss best strategy.
What if I honestly didn’t realize I hit anything?
Lack of knowledge is complete defense to hit and run charges. We present evidence proving you genuinely didn’t know collision occurred, making conviction extremely difficult for prosecution. This requires thorough investigation and strong legal arguments.
Will I definitely go to state prison for hit and run DUI?
Not necessarily—outcomes depend on specific circumstances including injuries (if any), your criminal history, strength of evidence, and quality of your defense. Property damage cases rarely result in prison for first-time offenders. Even injury cases may result in probation with strong defense and mitigation. We fight aggressively to avoid or minimize custody.
What if victims’ injuries are being exaggerated?
We thoroughly investigate injury claims through medical record review, independent medical examinations, expert consultations, and examination of pre-existing conditions. Exaggerated injury claims are common in cases involving potential civil liability. We aggressively challenge excessive or false injury allegations.
Q: Can I fight both hit and run and DUI charges simultaneously?
Absolutely. Each charge has separate elements requiring independent proof. We may succeed in defending against one charge, both charges, or negotiate favorable reductions on each. Comprehensive defense addresses all charges strategically.
What if someone else was driving my car?
This is viable defense if true. We establish actual driver through witness testimony, alibi evidence for you, and other proof. Registered owner isn’t automatically the driver—prosecution must prove you specifically were driving.
How do police locate hit and run drivers?
Through witness descriptions and license plates, surveillance video, paint transfer analysis, vehicle damage searches, traffic cameras, and investigation. Modern technology makes identification easier, but mistaken identifications still occur frequently. We challenge identification evidence aggressively.
Should I talk to police if they contact me about accident?
Absolutely not without attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent and immediately request attorney. Any statements you make attempting to explain or defend yourself almost always significantly hurt your case. Contact us before speaking with police.
Can I get probation instead of prison for hit and run DUI?
Possibly, depending on circumstances. Probation more likely for property damage cases, first-time offenders, strong mitigation, and cases with legal or factual weaknesses. We fight aggressively for probation in all cases where circumstances allow.
What’s difference between hit and run and leaving scene of accident?
They’re the same—”hit and run” is common term while “leaving scene of accident” is legal description. Both refer to failing to stop and fulfill legal obligations after accident.
Why Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista
Extensive Hit and Run DUI Defense Experience: We’ve successfully defended numerous hit and run DUI cases throughout Los Angeles County including complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple victims, and challenging evidence.
Aggressive Investigation: We don’t accept prosecution’s version of events. We conduct exhaustive independent investigations, retain expert witnesses, and challenge every element of charges against you.
Proven Trial Experience: We’re seasoned trial attorneys who’ve won serious DUI and hit and run trials. Prosecutors know we’ll take cases to trial and fight aggressively, giving us leverage in negotiations.
Local Inglewood Expertise: We regularly appear at Inglewood Courthouse, understand local prosecutors and judges, and know how these cases are handled in this specific jurisdiction.
Protecting Your Freedom: We understand these charges threaten years of your life and freedom. We fight tirelessly to protect you from devastating consequences including prison, felony convictions, and strikes.
Immigration Consequences Awareness: We understand immigration implications of criminal convictions and work with immigration attorneys to protect non-citizens from deportation whenever possible.
Bilingual Legal Services: We provide fluent Spanish-language services for clients more comfortable discussing their case in Spanish. Hablamos Español.
24/7 Availability: Hit and run DUI arrests and investigations happen at all hours. We’re available around the clock to provide immediate assistance when you need it most.
Take Action Immediately
Hit and run DUI charges threaten your freedom, future, and finances. Time is absolutely critical.
Don’t talk to police without attorney present. Don’t make statements attempting to explain what happened. Don’t wait for charges to be filed—contact attorney now. Do exercise your right to remain silent. Do request attorney before answering any questions. Do contact experienced hit and run DUI defense attorney immediately.
Your freedom and driving privileges are worth fighting for. Call now—we’re available 24/7 to defend your rights.
Your freedom is on the line. Don’t face hit and run DUI charges alone. Call Tu Defensor Criminalista now at (888) 315-3326 for immediate assistance. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Time is critical—contact us today.
Citations and Sources
California Legislative Information – Vehicle Code Sections 20001, 20002, 23152, 23153; Penal Code Sections 191.5 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/[1]
California Office of Traffic Safety – Hit and run statistics and traffic safety information https://www.ots.ca.gov/[2]
California Highway Patrol – Traffic safety enforcement and accident investigation https://www.chp.ca.gov/[3]
U.S. Census Bureau – Inglewood, California demographic and population data https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/inglewoodcitycalifornia[4]
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Criminal prosecution information and policies https://da.lacounty.gov/[5]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Immigration consequences of criminal convictions https://www.uscis.gov/[6]
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
I was arrested for a DUI just recently, since Spanish is my first language, it was important to find a great attorney who was bilingual. Getting your first DUI can...
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