The consequences of a hit-and-run in California can lead to serious criminal charges.
If a driver leaves the scene after causing damage or injury, regardless of their knowledge or seriousness of the same, they may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the facts.
When Is a Hit-and-Run a Misdemeanor?
Under the California Vehicle Code (VC) Section 20002, Driving Offenses, leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage without exchanging information or filing a police report is a misdemeanor.
For example, if someone backs into a parked car or mailbox and drives away without leaving contact information or trying to notify the owner, that can lead to charges.
When no one is around, leaving a note with your name, address, number, and insurance information is best. However, you must follow up with a police report in that jurisdiction immediately or within 24 hours.
Here’s what the law says:
“(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property… shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic…”
“(c) Any person failing to comply… is guilty of a misdemeanorand, upon conviction… shall be punished by imprisonment… not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both…”
Penalties for a Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run in Bakersfield
A conviction comes with serious consequences:
Up to six months in Kern County Jail
Three year’s probation
Restitution to the property owner (civil penalties)
Two NOTS points on your driving record for up to ten years
A base fine up to $1,000, which could be as much as$3,000 with surcharges, penalties, and assessments.
These consequences of a hit-and-run conviction can follow a driver for years, impacting insurance rates, employment, and driving privileges.
Steps to Avoid a Misdemeanor Conviction
To avoid being charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run in Bakersfield, drivers should:
Stop immediately after an accident and move to a safe location.
Exchange information with the other party or leave a written note with contact details.
Report the incident to law enforcement and your insurance company as soon as possible.
These actions show that a driver acted responsibly—even if there was damage.
Know Your Rights: Speak to an Attorney First
If questioned by Bakersfield police or CHP after an accident, you should consult a lawyer first.
Do not admit fault. But don’t lie! Take the 5thAmendment right to be silent.
Ask for a traffic attorney.
Do not answer questions without legal guidance.
Even a short conversation can hurt your case. Protecting your rights starts with staying silent and calling a lawyer who understands hit-and-run law.
Bigger & Harman’s Kern County Traffic Trial Attorneys Explain the Consequences of a Hit-and-Run
Many drivers don’t realize how fast a hit-and-run situation can escalate from a small accident to a criminal case.
The consequences of a hit-and-run can impact your life in more ways than you think—from fines to potential jail time.
Bigger & Harman’s Kern County traffic trial attorneys have extensive experience defending drivers in hit-and-run cases in Kern County.
We fight to protect your driving record, reduce or eliminate charges, and represent you in court so you don’t face this alone.
If you’re being accused of a hit-and-run in Bakersfield, talk to our team today. A skilled traffic attorney can make the difference between a criminal conviction and a second chance.
Contact Bigger & Harman to Possibly Avoid the Criminal Consequences of Hit-and-Run
If you’ve been accused of hit-and-run, invoke your “right to remain silent,” and resist making any statements without an attorney present. Call the Bakersfield Traffic Defense Team of Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español 349-9755.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com, or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.
References:
CA VC Section 20002, (Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run with damages only), CA VC Sections 20003 and 20004, (Reporting requirements).
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.