Hit and Run Defense Attorney in Burbank, CA Delivers Dedicated Defense in Los Angeles County and Across Southern California
Getting into a car accident is stressful—but leaving the scene can lead to serious trouble. In California, a “hit and run” happens when a driver is involved in a crash and doesn’t stop to give their name, contact info, or help anyone who’s hurt. It doesn’t matter if the accident was big or small. If you drive away without reporting it, the law sees it as a crime.
In Burbank, hit and run charges are no joke. Depending on what happened, you could face a misdemeanor or even a felony. This can mean fines, jail time, points on your license, and higher insurance rates. You might also have trouble finding a job if a criminal record shows up in a background check. What seems like a split-second decision can change your life for years.
That’s where The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney come in. Our team has years of experience helping people just like you. We know the local courts, the laws, and the strategies that work. We take every case seriously and fight hard to protect your future. If you’ve been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, don’t wait—talk to a trusted hit and run defense attorney in Burbank, CA today. Contact us now.
Types of Hit and Run Cases We Handle in Burbank, CA
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our Burbank hit and run defense lawyers have a deep understanding of how these charges work. Our team knows the local laws, the prosecutors, and what it takes to defend you in court. Whether your case is simple or complex, we bring years of experience to every client we represent.
We defend clients in all kinds of hit and run situations. Here are just some of the case types we handle:
- Hit and run with another moving vehicle in Burbank: You’re accused of crashing into another car and leaving without stopping.
- Hit and run with parked car in Burbank: The accident involved a parked vehicle, and you left the scene without leaving a note or calling the police.
- Hit and run with bicyclist in Burbank: You’re charged with leaving the scene after hitting someone on a bike.
- Hit and run with pedestrian in Burbank: The case involves someone walking, and you're accused of not stopping after the crash.
- Hit and run with property damage in Burbank: You may have hit a mailbox, fence, or other property and didn’t report it.
- Hit and run fender bender in Burbank: Even small accidents can lead to charges if you leave without exchanging info.
- Hit and run under the influence in Burbank: You’re accused of leaving the scene while also being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Hit and run with serious injuries in Burbank: The other person in the crash was badly hurt, and you didn’t stay to help or report it.
- Hit and run resulting in death in Burbank: The accident led to someone’s death, and you’re now facing very serious charges.
- Hit and run with vehicular manslaughter in Burbank: This is a high-level charge where someone died, and you are accused of being responsible for their death due to reckless driving or negligence.
- And more… No matter the situation, we’ve likely seen it before and know how to help.
No two cases are exactly alike, and we treat every client with the attention and care they deserve. If you’re facing any kind of hit and run accusation, reach out to our Burbank criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney are ready to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Potential Penalties for a Hit and Run in Burbank
Being charged with a hit and run in Burbank can lead to serious punishment. Whether it's a minor accident or a case involving injury, California law treats leaving the scene as a crime. The penalties for a hit and run in California depend on what happened and how serious the accident was.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run Penalties
If the accident only caused damage to property—like a car, sign, or mailbox—it’s usually charged as a misdemeanor. That doesn’t mean it’s minor. You could still face:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Restitution (paying for the damage you caused)
- Up to 3 years of probation
Even this level of charge can follow you for years. A criminal record from a hit and run can show up on background checks for jobs, housing, or school.
Felony Hit and Run Penalties
If someone was hurt or killed in the crash, the hit and run is more likely to be charged as a felony. That means much tougher consequences:
- Up to 4 years in state prison
- Fines of up to $10,000 (hit and run fines can be very steep)
- Restitution to cover the injured person’s medical bills and other costs
- Formal probation with strict conditions
Felony charges also mean a higher chance of long-term issues. Employers, licensing boards, and schools often reject people with felony records.
Other Consequences of a Hit and Run Conviction
Besides jail time or fines, there are other long-lasting problems that come with a hit and run charge:
- Your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked
- Your car insurance rates will skyrocket
- You could be denied jobs or housing because of the criminal record from the hit and run
- You may be required to attend driving school or complete community service
If you’re convicted, the sentence stays with you—even after the case ends. That’s why it’s so important to fight the charges with the help of a skilled defense lawyer.
Jail Time for Hit and Run in California: What to Expect
When people ask about jail time for a hit and run California, the truth is that every case is different. But if you don’t have a lawyer, or if the case involves injuries, jail or prison is a real possibility. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we work hard to keep our clients out of jail by building strong defenses and exploring every legal option.
Social Media and Hit and Run Charges in Burbank: What Not to Do
Today, what you post online can be used against you in court. If you're facing hit and run charges, your social media can hurt your case. Here's what you should know:
- Never talk about the accident on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform.
- Don’t message anyone about the case, especially the people involved.
- Don’t delete old posts or photos—this can look like you’re trying to hide something.
- Make your profiles private, but don’t assume nothing can be found.
Prosecutors often look at social media to find evidence of guilt or bad behavior. If you post a picture of your car looking fine after a crash or joke about driving fast, it could be used to build a case against you.
Before you post anything, talk to a lawyer. Better yet, stay off social media completely until your case is over.
Can Your Hit and Run Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Burbank?
Yes—many hit and run cases can be reduced or even dismissed, especially if you take action quickly and work with an experienced lawyer.
Here’s how that can happen:
- Lack of evidence: If the police can’t prove you were driving or that you knew about the crash, the case may fall apart.
- You returned later: If you left in a panic but came back or reported the accident soon after, the court may show leniency.
- No one was hurt: If it was just property damage and you’re willing to pay restitution, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a lighter charge.
- First-time offender programs: In some cases, you may qualify for diversion, which can keep a conviction off your record.
- Plea bargains: A lawyer can work with the prosecutor to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor or lower the sentence.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we’ve helped many clients avoid jail and keep their records clean. Every case is different, but our goal is always to get you the best outcome possible.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
When you’re facing a hit and run charge, you need more than just a lawyer—you need someone who knows the law, knows the system, and truly cares about your future. That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney. Our Burbank hit and run defense lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way with a focus on results and compassion.
Here’s how we help:
- Personalized attention and strategic case planning: We don’t take a “one size fits all” approach. Your defense is built for your situation.
- Proven track record defending clients in California hit and run cases: We’ve helped many people avoid jail, lower charges, and even walk away without a conviction.
- Thorough investigation and aggressive defense strategies: We dig deep into the facts to find the weak points in the case against you.
- Effective negotiation skills in plea bargains and reduced charges: We know how to talk to prosecutors to help get you a better deal.
- Comprehensive understanding of local courts and California criminal law: From judges to procedures, we know how things work in Burbank and throughout the state.
We’ve earned a strong reputation as a trusted criminal defense attorney team in the area. If you’re looking for smart, caring, and skilled lawyers for your hit and run defense California case, we’re ready to stand by your side.
With The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney hit and run defense, you’ll never face this battle alone.
Why Choose an Experienced Hit and Run Defense Attorney in Burbank, CA?
Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we take pride in being more than just legal professionals—we’re people who care. If you're searching for a reliable Burbank hit and run defense lawyer, here's why you should choose us:
- We show real empathy and compassion: We understand that good people make mistakes. We don’t judge—we help.
- 100+ years of combined experience: Our team of attorneys brings more than a century of criminal defense experience to your case.
- Diligent and conscientious representation: Every case matters to us. We take the time to get it right.
- Multilingual legal support: We offer services in multiple languages, so language never becomes a barrier to justice.
- Aggressive early defense: We don’t wait for charges to be filed. We begin building your defense immediately to protect your rights from the start.
From the moment you contact our office, we start fighting for your best possible outcome. Our experience and dedication mean we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and defend you in court when necessary.
A hit and run defense attorney from our team will always put your future first.
About Criminal Hit and Runs in Burbank
Criminal hit and runs happen all across Burbank, but certain areas seem to see more cases than others. Busy streets like Magnolia Boulevard, Olive Avenue, and stretches near the Burbank Airport often experience more accidents due to heavy traffic, fast speeds, and frequent lane changes. Parking lots at shopping centers and entertainment districts around downtown Burbank are also common places where people might hit a parked car and panic—especially if no one is around to witness it.
The truth is, most people who leave the scene didn’t plan to commit a crime. They were scared, confused, or unsure of what to do. If you’ve been charged, you’re not alone—and you’re not beyond help. Many people in your shoes have found real solutions and second chances by working with the right legal team.
Contact an Experienced Burbank Hit and Run Defense Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a Free Consultation
Hit and run in California is serious. A simple mistake or moment of panic can lead to jail time, big fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. That’s why it’s so important to take action right away. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we understand the fear and stress you're feeling—and we know how to help.
Our team has a long track record of getting hit and run reduced, dismissed, or resolved with minimal impact. When you choose us, you’ll have a hit and run defense attorney who is experienced, strategic, and truly committed to protecting your rights. We don’t wait for the system to act—we get ahead of it and fight hard from day one.
We offer free consultations and completely confidential support. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us now to speak with a trusted criminal defense team. Call 818-330-5198 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation today. The sooner you act, the more we can do to help.
