A man suspected of driving the vehicle that struck and killed a man using a walker turned himself into police on Monday afternoon with his attorney.

According to police, the victim was a man in his 40s who was walking on Ventura Boulevard near Gaviota, outside of a crosswalk, in the early morning hours when he was stuck by the suspect’s SUV.  Police allege the suspect then fled northbound on Haskell Avenue.

The suspect turned himself into the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division later in the day with his attorney and was booked and being held on felony hit-and-run charges.  His bail was set at $50,000.

If you have been involved in, or arrested for, a hit-and-run in Los Angeles, I would recommend first reading our office’s previous blog detailing what are the first steps to take and how to protect yourself.  It is important to know that you are under no obligation to make any statements to the police without having your attorney present.  Remembering this fact, and actually following this advice, has helped prevent criminal charges from ever being filed against many of our office’s clients.  It is just as important to know that if you are cooperative (through your attorney, of course) with law enforcement, there can be ways to resolve the matter outside of the courtroom.

Felony hit-and-run charges are much more serious.  There is the possibility of state prison time, a felony conviction on your criminal record and a significant impact on your California driver’s license.

If you or someone you know has been involved in, or arrested for, a hit-and-run in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Torrance, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena or Van Nuys, contact attorney Ross Erlich today for a free consultation and case evaluation.  Making a call early in the process just may end up saving you from criminal charges.