To determine the possible consequences of a hit and run offense, you must first determine which Vehicle Code Section the conviction was made under.
It is important to remember that a person has not been convicted until the person has been found guilty or has entered a plea of guilty. If a person has simply been arrested, they are simply being charged and are not convicted. To be convicted of an offense, there must be a trial or a voluntary plea. There can be no sentence issued, unless the person has been convicted.
If a Hit and Run involves injury to a person, the person that has been convicted will be charged under California Vehicle code §20001(b)(1). The statute states that a person who has been found guilty under this section will “be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine”
If a person has caused serious injury or death to a person and has been found guilty or pled guilty to a Los Angeles Hit and Run, then they will face consequences as outlined under California Vehicle Code §20001(2). The statute states that a person who has been found guilty of serious injury or death, “shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three,or four years, or in a county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.”
If a person has caused damage to property, they will be charged under California Vehicle Code §20002. If convicted, they “shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000),or by both that imprisonment and fine.” All potential consequences come in a range of consequences, because the specific sentence will be determined the person’s criminal history and the specific facts of the case. For example, if a person has an extensive criminal record, then chances are the Judge is likely to issue a higher prison sentence or fine. If there is significant injury, a broken bone versus a few bruises, the Court is likely to issue a higher sentence.
In terms of property damage, the same type of analysis will help guide the Court in issuing a sentence. If there are a few scratches to someone else’s vehicle, the Court may consider a lower fine and possibly no jail time. However, if a person has completely destroyed another vehicle or home, then the Court is likely to issue a higher fine, or a jail sentence.
If you are being tried for a Los Angeles Hit and Run, do not hesitate to speak to a Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer. They have the criminal knowledge and experience to ensure that your case get the best possible results!