SB 907: Braun’s Law, Hit-and-Run Penalties and Watson Warnings

Updated October 13, 2026 · JackDUI editorial team

What changes under Braun’s Law?

The amended Vehicle Code section 23635 requires a section 23593 advisement when someone pleads guilty or no contest to a different or lesser offense substituted for an alleged section 23152 DUI. The warning concerns the danger of impaired driving and possible murder charges if future impaired driving causes a death. A reduced charge therefore does not necessarily avoid the warning.

Which hit-and-run cases face increased exposure?

SB 907 amends section 20001 for specified injury hit-and-run cases occurring within ten years of a qualifying prior violation resulting in conviction. The listed priors include DUI, wet reckless, DUI causing injury, and specified manslaughter offenses. Injury and death or permanent-serious-injury cases have different sentencing provisions. The latter category includes a three-, four-, or five-year prison option, with the alternatives and fine requirements stated in the statute. Read the enacted SB 907 text.

What should someone facing a new allegation do?

Build an accurate timeline for counsel. Keep the citation, release paperwork, collision information, and every court or DMV notice. Preserve photographs and recordings in their original form. Record witness contact details without coaching witnesses about what to say. Avoid posting an account of the incident on social media.

In a case involving an alleged prior, obtain the underlying record rather than relying on a complaint’s shorthand. Give counsel the prior court, case number, offense date, and disposition if known. If documents are missing, identify where they may be obtained.

Questions about a plea and warning

• What exact charge would the proposed plea resolve?
• What factual admissions and advisements would appear in the record?
• How does the applicable law treat the prior case?
• What court and DMV obligations would remain after the plea?
• Are employment, licensing, immigration, or insurance concerns relevant to discuss with appropriate counsel?

Ask for a plain-language explanation before making a decision. Comparing only the immediate fine or custody term can leave important practical questions unanswered. A consultation is the place to address the specific documents and facts.

Use the final law, not an outdated proposal

Earlier versions of this article described SB 907 while it was pending. This update reflects its signed status. The Governor’s announcement discusses the wider package; the chaptered text controls what SB 907 actually enacted. Confirm the offense date and operative law before applying any summary to a pending case.

Related DUI defense information

For allegations involving an injured person, visit DUI with injury defense. For licensing questions, see DMV hearing defense. JackDUI serves Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and Los Angeles; contact Jack Ter-Saakyan for a consultation.

This article provides general information and does not determine liability, sentencing, or the outcome of a specific case.