Sang Won Jung (26) was arrested last month in connection with an alleged vehicular hit-and-run incident Echo Park that resulted in the death of one teenager and minor injuries to another.

This past Thursday, July 9, Mr. Jung — a resident of Tujunga — plead not guilty to a felony hit-and-run charge and a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge. Christian Donis (15) and his cousin, Adam Donis (13), were struck by a car around 10pm on June 12, 2015 while skateboarding across an unmarked crosswalk on Alvarado Street in Echo Park.

News reports provide conflicting accounts about the details, but multiple sources indicate that Mr. Jung initiated contact with the police after the incident.

It was originally reported that Mr. Jung went to a police station to report he was the victim of a hit-and-run and wanted to file a report.

However, the District Attorney’s Office has recently asserted that Mr. Jung went to police to claim he did not run over the boys because he had lent his car to another person when the incident occurred.

At this time, Mr. Jung has been released on a $50,000 bond; he is scheduled to be in court on August 11 for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to support the charges. More information about Mr. Jung’s self-reporting to the police should become clear at that time.

The criminal justice system is complicated to navigate, even with the best of intentions. Legal procedures are difficult to understand and require the guidance and representation of an attorney.

This is particularly true in criminal cases given the enormous consequences of a criminal charge, including the loss of civil rights, barriers to employment and housing, and potential deportation for non-citizens.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, contact the Law Office of Ronald G. Brower to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.