If you are involved in any sort of accident or collision while driving your vehicle, you are required by California law to stop, identify yourself to other people involved in the incident, and provide aid to any injured parties. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges that fall under the broad heading of 'hit and run'. If you've been charged with hit and run, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand you the law and will fight to defend you. Call me at (916) 442-1200 for a free and confidential consultation regarding your case.
Property Damage
Vehicle Code 20002 requires drivers to stop and identify themselves when their vehicles cause damage to any property, including other vehicles, road signs, mail boxes, gas pumps, and fences. It's important to note that it doesn't matter who is at fault. Even if you are obeying all laws and driving in a safe manner and another vehicle hits yours, you must stop. VC 20002 requires you to:
- Identify yourself to the owner of the damaged property and present your driver's license and vehicle registration information;
- Leave a note with your contact information if the property owner isn't present;
- Report the incident to local law enforcement.
Aside from any charges that might arise from the incident itself, failure to comply with the provisions of VC 20002 constitutes a misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail.
Injury or Death
Vehicle Codes 20001, 20003, and 20004 require a driver involved in an accident that results in injury or death to stop, identify himself, and offer assistance to the injured people. Failure to do so can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges. A misdemeanor conviction comes with the possibility of a county jail sentence of up to one year, while a felony conviction can come with a state prison term, depending on the nature of the incident and the criminal record of the defendant. Fines range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Driving While Intoxicated
Vehicle crimes often involve more than a simple hit and run. Drivers who are intoxicated from consumption of alcohol or use of drugs often damage property or injure a pedestrian or another driver and then drive away because they are fearful of being arrested for DUI. A conviction for DUi or DUI with injury in addition to hit and run means the possibility of significantly enhanced penalties.
The Importance of Quality Criminal Defense
Because vehicular crimes occur on busy roadways and are so unexpected and startling, it's often difficult to reconstruct the precise sequence of events. If you've been charged with hit and run, it's important to contact a lawyer who knows the law and can build a credible and effective defense.
Contact me at (916) 442-1200 for a free and confidential consultation. With my 20 years in criminal law in the Sacramento region and experience defending people accused of hit and run, I can step in immediately to protect your rights and interests.
