If you have been questioned, arrested, or even fear you might be connected to a serious-injury or fatal hit-and-run collision, a new California law has changed the timeline prosecutors can use against you. Understanding that change—nicknamed D’Ancee’s Law—is the first step toward protecting yourself and planning an effective defense.
What D’Ancee’s Law Does
- D'Ancee's Law (Assembly Bill 2984) took effect January 1, 2025. The bill removes the six-year statute of limitations for hit-and-run collisions that cause death or “permanent, serious injury.” Prosecutors now have an unlimited window to file those felony charges for crashes on or after January 1, 2025—and for older crashes whose six-year clock had not yet expired as of that date.
- The law is named for three-year-old D’Ancee Barnes, killed in a 1989 hit-and-run that was never solved. His stepfather, California Assembly member Mike Gipson, spent years pursuing legislation so families would not watch cases go cold simply because time ran out.
Why This Matters After Any Serious Crash
- Cold cases can warm up. Advances in license-plate readers, vehicle telematics, and DNA or paint-chip forensics allow investigators to revisit unsolved collisions long after the road has been repaved.
- Key evidence may fade. Surveillance video is routinely overwritten, witnesses relocate, and phone records age off servers. Waiting to speak with counsel can mean critical material is gone when you finally need it.
- Civil suits often follow criminal filings. Families who lost a loved one may hold their wrongful-death claim until they see movement by law enforcement. A revived criminal file can restart the civil clock as well.
Action Items for Anyone Under a Cloud of Suspicion
- Preserve potential evidence now. Save phone data, dash-cam footage, and vehicle service records before they disappear.
- Document your vehicle’s history. If the car involved was later sold or scrapped, gather bills of sale, DMV transfer slips, or insurance paperwork that shows where it went.
- Get a legal assessment early. A defense attorney can review open investigations, clarify whether D’Ancee’s Law affects your specific case, and advise on proactive steps—such as hiring reconstruction experts—to counter future allegations.
- Avoid unrepresented interviews. Even well-intentioned statements can be used years down the road. Politely decline to speak with officers until you have counsel present.
The Takeaway
D’Ancee’s Law gives California prosecutors unlimited time to file the most serious hit-and-run charges. If you believe you might someday be linked to a fatal or serious-injury collision—no matter how long ago it happened—consult experienced counsel as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has extensive experience defending individuals facing hit-and-run allegations. Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation review of your situation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
