Definition

Hit and Run under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, is a criminal offense. In this subsection of hit and run laws, it is a felony offense, simply because someone was injured or killed at the time of fleeing an accident scene. In a misdemeanor charge for hit and run, only a property would have been damaged.

Elements of the Crime

In order to take an Felony Hit and Run CPC 20001 case to trial, certain elements of the crime will have to be proven. These include:

  • That the accused was involved in an accident and someone was injured or killed
  • The defendant knew this, and refused help and/or left the scene of the accident

In California, it’s the duty of all drivers at the time of an accident to:

·         Provide ID to local police

·         Contact local police

·         Provide any practical assistance to injured passengers/other drivers, which may include transportation to a medical facility. It could also be as simple as picking up the phone and asking for an ambulance.

Punishments for CPC 20001

These penalties are to be determined by a judge and he/she will make a decision based on the circumstances surrounding the case, and also an individual’s criminal history.

Felony Hit and Run Involving Injury

When found guilty of hit and run when a someone was injured, it is a  felony punishable by one year in jail, or sixteen months, two or three years in prison; between one and ten thousand dollars in fines. There’s also compensation of the cost of damages, and minus two-points on the driver’s license.

Felony Hit and Run Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury

When found guilty of hit and run when a someone was severely injured or killed, it is a  felony punishable by one year in jail, or two, three or four years in prison; between one and ten thousand dollars in fines. There’s also compensation of the cost of damages, and minus two-points on the driver’s license.

Legal Defenses for California Penal Code 20001

A good lawyer can present many legal and valid defenses for Felony Hit and Run charges under California Vehicle Code 20001 to prove someone’s innocence. A legal defense team can argue that the defendant was not aware of the responsibilities outlined above. In addition, it could have been someone else that was involved in the accident.

Learn more about other California Section Penal Codes here.