Los Angeles city officials, in partnership with the LAPD, have agreed to take a tougher stance on how it treats hit-and-runs in Los Angeles, including extending the statute of limitations on the more serious offenses.

LAPD estimates that there are approximately 20,000 hit-and-run incidents in the city each year and many of these involve property damage and even injury.  The city of LA will begin seeking revocation of driver’s licenses for the person involved and the forfeiture of their vehicles.  In addition to that, a new California state law extended the statute of limitations on hit-and-run incidents to six years.

You might be asking what all of this means to you.  Well, first and foremost, it means that law enforcement and prosecutor’s will be taking hit-and-run charges more seriously and will be enforcing the law in a stricter fashion.  Keep in mind that the city is seeking to revoke driver’s licenses and vehicles for those involved in these incidents, which are stiffer penalties then what we see now in Los Angeles.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run in Los Angeles, Hollywood, North Hollywood, Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Monica or Culver City, contact attorney Ross Erlich before you make any statements to law enforcement and know your rights.  Our office has had many successes in protecting our client’s criminal records, driver’s licenses and preventing jail time for hit-and-runs all over Los Angeles and Southern California.  Oftentimes we are able to enter into a civil compromise with the victim and get the criminal hit-and-run charge dismissed from your record.

If you have been charged with a hit-and-run and are wondering what to do next, contact Attorney Ross Erlich 24/7 for a free case consultation.