Matt Horeczko-What is the California Statute of Limitations for hit-and-run accidents?

In both civil and criminal cases, statutes of limitations apply. Matt Horeczko explains that a statute of limitations is a law that imposes a specific time limit on how long a person has to file a legal claim. A statute of limitations will vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of claim being made. The right to bring a claim may be barred if a person fails to take legal action before the statute of limitations expires.

California currently has a six-year statute of limitations for misdemeanor hit-and-run crimes. As a result, a prosecutor will have up to six years from the date of the crime to file charges against a hit-and-run defendant. A prosecutor will be barred from charging and filing a criminal case against a defendant if they fail to file it within that timeframe.

As a result, a prosecutor will have six years to bring charges against you if you have been involved in a misdemeanor hit-and-run accident. A felony charge will be filed against you if your hit-and-run accident caused serious injury or death to another person. A felony is a type of criminal offense that carries severe legal penalties. You should therefore speak with a local criminal law attorney immediately if you are charged with either of these crimes.

California’s statute of limitations for misdemeanor hit-and-runs has recently been extended from three to six years. There is also a provision in the statute known as the “Discovery Rule”. A misdemeanor hit-and-run statute of limitations begins once the crime is discovered, according to the Discovery Rule.

A violation of California’s Vehicle Code 20002 will result in a misdemeanor offense. Matt Horeczko says one last point to note about this law is that it specifically instructs drivers to move their vehicles to a close, but safe location near the accident site. Thus, a driver who fails to follow these instructions and obstructs traffic or causes a pile-up may be fined.