Hit and Run – CPC 20002
The offense of hit and run is generally defined as leaving the scene of the accident involving damage or injury without giving the proper driver documentation to the other driver or drivers. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges, a criminal record, significant fines, points on your driving record or even jail time. If you have been involved in a hit and run, it is recommended that you speak to a West Covina criminal lawyer immediately.
California Vehicle Code Hit and Run Provisions
- Section 20002 – If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in property damage only, you must stop, locate the owner or person in charge of the property and provide proper driver documentation. If you cannot locate the owner of the other vehicle, you cannot leave the scene until you have done two specific things:
- Leave a note in a clearly visible place on the vehicle or other property damaged with the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and a description of what happened; and
- Report the accident to the police department of the city where the collision occurred or the California Highway Patrol.
- Sections 20001, 20003 and 20004 – The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident. In addition to performing all the actions included in Section 20002, the driver must render reasonable aid to the injured party or parties.
Potential Penalties for Hit and Run
In California, hit and run charges are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. The classification depends on a number of factors, including whether the collision resulted in injury, the extent of damage, and the driver’s past criminal record.
- Misdemeanor Hit and Run – Leaving the scene of a minor traffic accident with no physical injuries will likely result in a misdemeanor charge with a possible penalty of up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $1000 or both.
- Felony Hit and Run – Leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in serious injury or death of a person involved in the accident will result in a felony charge with a possible penalty of up to four years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
Whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony, it is important to have an experienced Los Angeles hit and run defense attorney at your side to ensure that you get the best possible outcome. Because anything you say can be used against you, it is important that you not admit fault to anyone, particularly the police, other driver, or witnesses as you may be incriminating yourself. You should wait to speak with a West Covina criminal lawyer to help guide you through this complicated process.
A hit and run conviction may result in not only a criminal record, but also significant fines, points on your driving record or even jail time. If you have been involved in a hit and run, you should speak to a Los Angeles hit and run defense lawyer immediately. At Daniel V. Cota & Associates, P.C., Attorney Cota will discuss your legal options with you and work with you to prepare a defense to a hit and run charge. To schedule a free consultation, contact Daniel V. Cota & Associates, P.C. toll free at 800.351.6860.