A hit and run crime is when a person leaves the scene after a collision they are involved in without exchanging insurance or other identification with other persons involved.
Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Hit and Run
The difference between a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge for hit and run offenses depends on whether there were injuries involved in the accident. Both misdemeanor and felony hit and run traffic collisions involve damage to another person’s property. When there are injuries involved, a hit and run is charged as a felony.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run Liability
Regardless of which person is at fault or how much damage exists, a hit and run always involves liability. Even if a person didn’t cause the traffic collision, if they leave the accident scene they can be charged under California Vehicle Code Section 20002 with misdemeanor hit and run.
You can be charged with misdemeanor hit and run if:
- You leave a minor accident where another driver was obviously at fault;
- You leave the scene after your car hits and causes damage to somebody else’s property; or
- You leave an accident scene that you may have caused even though your car did not actually collide with another.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run Penalties
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, any misdemeanor hit and run in California that involves a parked car carries the following penalties:
- Up to three years informal probation,
- Up to six months in county jail,
- Up to $1,000 in fines and court-assessed penalties,
- Restitution to victim due to property damage,
- Two points on your driving record, per California DMV.
A civil compromise agreement can frequently settle a misdemeanor hit and run charge. This agreement is when the person who caused the damage agrees to pay in exchange for the other party agreeing to drop hit and run charges. If the compromise agreement is accepted by the court and the prosecutor, the misdemeanor hit and run charges are dismissed.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony hit and run charge, you need the expert advice of a criminal defense attorney such as Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers. Contact Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, today for a free consultation.
Criminal Defense Attorneys
3555 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 297-2800