The Consequences of a Hit and Run

A hit and run in California is a serious offense with significant legal, financial, and personal consequences. Under California law, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without providing identification or rendering aid to anyone injured. The severity of the penalties depends on whether the accident resulted in property damage, injury, or death. Here’s a comprehensive look at the consequences of a hit and run in California.

If the hit and run involves only property damage, it is classified as a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code Section 20002. The legal consequences include:

• Fines: Fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000.
• Jail Time: Offenders can face up to six months in county jail.
• Probation: Courts may impose probation, often lasting up to three years, which may include community service and attendance at a hit-and-run education program.
• Restitution: The offender may be required to pay for the damages caused to the victim’s property.

If the accident results in injury or death, it is classified as a felony under California Vehicle Code Section 20001. The legal consequences are much more severe:

• Fines: Fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000.
• Prison Time: Offenders can face up to four years in state prison.
• Probation: Felony probation may be imposed, which includes strict conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, community service, and possibly mandatory counseling.
• Restitution: Offenders must pay restitution to cover the medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs incurred by the victims.
• Revocation of Driving Privileges: The driver’s license can be revoked or suspended for up to a year or more.

Beyond the legal fines, a hit-and-run conviction can have devastating financial repercussions:

• Increased Insurance Rates: A hit-and-run conviction will lead to a significant increase in auto insurance premiums. In some cases, insurance companies may even cancel the policy.
• Civil Lawsuits: Victims of a hit-and-run accident can file a civil lawsuit against the offender to recover damages, which can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The financial burden from a civil judgment can be substantial and long-lasting.
• Restitution: Courts often order offenders to pay restitution to victims to cover their out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. This amount is in addition to any fines imposed as part of the criminal case.

A hit-and-run conviction can also have far-reaching personal and professional consequences:

• Criminal Record: A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can affect future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks, and a hit-and-run conviction can be a red flag.
• Job Loss: For individuals whose jobs require driving, such as delivery drivers or commercial truck drivers, a hit-and-run conviction can result in immediate job loss and difficulty finding new employment in the same field.
• Professional Licenses: Certain professions, such as law, medicine, and real estate, require licenses that may be revoked or suspended following a hit-and-run conviction. This can lead to a significant impact on one’s career and livelihood.
• Emotional Toll: The guilt and stress associated with causing harm and then fleeing the scene can lead to emotional and psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and social stigma.

Certain factors can exacerbate the consequences of a hit and run:

• Alcohol or Drugs: If the offender was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, additional charges such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be filed, leading to more severe penalties.
• Prior Convictions: Repeat offenders face harsher penalties. A history of traffic violations or prior hit-and-run convictions can lead to increased fines, longer jail or prison sentences, and longer periods of probation or license suspension.
• Severity of Injuries: The more serious the injuries caused by the accident, the harsher the penalties. Accidents resulting in permanent disability or death will result in the most severe consequences.

Despite the serious nature of hit-and-run charges, there are potential defenses that an experienced attorney can explore:

• Lack of Knowledge: The defendant may not have been aware that they were involved in an accident, particularly if the damage was minor.
• Not the Driver: The defendant may argue that they were not the driver at the time of the accident.
• Emergency: In rare cases, the defendant may have left the scene due to an emergency situation, such as a medical crisis.

A hit-and-run conviction in California carries significant legal, financial, and personal consequences. It is crucial to understand the gravity of these offenses and the importance of remaining at the scene of an accident to exchange information and render aid. If you are facing hit-and-run charges, seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney is essential to navigate the legal complexities and potentially mitigate the impact of the charges.