It’s very fortunate for the driver of a hit and run vehicle in Laguna Beach that he didn’t kill anyone today. Apparently, he lost control of the vehicle on Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, hit three parked cars and ran off on foot before being captured by police.
If he had hit and killed someone he would have faced murder charges or possibly vehicular manslaughter. The sentence for DUI murder is a life term, turning one tragedy into two.
Now, the driver faces DUI charges, along with felony hit and run charges, upping his exposure from simple fines and an alcohol program to a potential state prison commitment. The question of punishment is a complex one, based upon a person’s prior record as well as their personal background, education, contributions to the community and the facts of the case before the court.
If you have questions regarding this area of the law, call Irvine DUI and Hit and Run attorney William M. Weinberg at 949.474.8008.