California Vehicle Code 20002a: hit and run involving property damage makes it a crime to leave the scene of an accident involving property damage without providing your information. Conviction can result in penalties such as jail time, fines, or both.
Facing hit and run involving property damage charges can be frightening and confusing. Fortunately, a compassionate Los Angeles DUI lawyer with a deep understanding of California Vehicle Codes can support you throughout the legal process and work hard to protect you from a conviction.
When Can Drivers Face California Vehicle Code 20002a: Hit and Run Involving Property Damage Charges?
California Highway Patrol may charge a driver with a misdemeanor hit-and-run under California Vehicle Code 20002a: hit and run involving property damage if they cause an accident resulting in property damage or bodily injury to another person and fail to stop, provide identification, and render aid. The legal system describes these requirements in CVC 20002(a).
If you’ve been charged with this offense, it doesn’t mean you have to face the consequences that come with a conviction. In fact, with the help of a skilled criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to get your charge reduced to a lesser offense or dropped completely.
What Are the Elements of a California Misdemeanor Hit and Run?
If you’re facing hit and run charges, you’re probably wondering what prosecutors must prove to convict you. To convict a California driver under Vehicle Code 20002(a), the prosecutor must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements include the following:
- First, the defendant was operating a motor vehicle.
- Second, the defendant’s vehicle was involved in an accident resulting in property damage or bodily injury to another person.
- Third, the defendant knew or, through reasonable care, should have known that their vehicle was involved in a collision.
- Finally, the defendant intentionally failed to stop at the scene, provide personal identification, and render reasonable assistance as required by California law.
If prosecutors don’t have enough proof, a skilled criminal defense attorney can argue for dismissing misdemeanor hit-and-run charges. There are often avenues to dispute involvement, knowledge, or intent elements.
What Are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run Conviction in California?
The penalties for misdemeanor hit-and-run include up to six months in county jail, fines up to $1,000, driver’s license suspension, restitution to victims, and probation, including community service. Furthermore, hit-and-run convictions result in points on your driving record and could even lead to a license suspension.
Remember, drivers who cause a hit-and-run accident can face charges for a misdemeanor crime. Facing these consequences can be intimidating, especially without an attorney by your side. Luckily, a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can provide the empathetic counsel and advocacy you need to have peace of mind throughout the legal process.
Does a VC 20002(a) Charge Go on Your Criminal Record?
According to California Penal Code, a misdemeanor conviction under California Vehicle Code 20002(a) hit and run involving property damage creates an adult criminal record. However, in some cases, courts grant deferred entry of judgment or reduced pleas for infractions, avoiding formal misdemeanor records.
An attorney specializing in misdemeanor criminal defense can assist you in avoiding a criminal history. Reach out to a lawyer today to learn more about hit and run involving property damage charges and how to combat your charges.
Can a Hit-and-Run Become a Felony?
Hit-and-run accidents can result in a felony charge if the accident causes permanent, severe injury or death to any person. Felony convictions can lead to multi-year prison sentences, so discussing your legal options is essential if you face these charges.
You can learn more about charges under CVC 20001(a): felony hit and run involving injury or death by speaking to a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Get connected with an attorney today to learn more about your charges and the legal process.
How to Handle a VC 20002(a) Charge
If you or someone you know was in a vehicle accident and is facing a criminal charge for a hit-and-run, consider the help of a criminal defense lawyer.
A misdemeanor offense comes with repercussions, but you still have defense strategies to help your case, even if the police accuse you of driving impaired at the time of the hit-and-run. A lawyer can also help you with DUI hit-and-run charges in California.
An experienced California criminal defense attorney can provide empathetic legal advice, dispute your involvement, raise reasonable doubt, negotiate reduced charges, and advocate for the best resolution. Early legal guidance is critical to limiting penalties.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Your Charges
Facing charges under California Vehicle Code 20002a: hit and run involving property damage can be extremely stressful. The good news is that a trusted lawyer can take on your case and work hard to protect you from a conviction.
Here’s what your attorney will do to protect you from the consequences that come with a conviction:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and gather important evidence
- Examine surveillance video footage, property damages, expert testimony, and blood alcohol level tests if your incident involved drunk driving
- Determine if your constitutional Miranda rights were violated
- Explore possible legal defenses and build a strategy to shield you from penalties
- Work hard to protect your license and California DMV record
- Explain how California code applies to your case and make sure you understand your case
- Negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges reduced
- Represent you in court and fight your charges before a jury
- Provide compassionate legal support throughout the entire case, maintaining availability to address your questions and concerns
Defenses for CA Vehicle Code 20002(a) Misdemeanor Charge
Depending on the details of your case, there are several defenses your attorney may use to protect you from a conviction under California Vehicle Code 20002a: hit and run involving property damage. The most common defense is that you didn’t know you were involved in an accident.
For example, you may have heard a noise while driving, but when you looked back in the mirror, you didn’t see that you had swiped a parked car. Or, you backed into a fence and damaged it while pulling out, but never saw the damage. However, if you knew you had caused an accident, you had a duty to pull over. Other possible defenses include:
- You weren’t the one driving the car.
- You knew you caused a collision but thought there was no damage.
A good DUI lawyer can help you choose the right method to build your defense and explain California DUI penalties. Get in touch with an attorney today to learn more about potential defense strategies and get the caring assistance you need to make it through this challenging time.
Can I Leave a Minor Accident Scene to Avoid Citations?
We recommend that you stay at the accident scene until police arrive. The criminal charges, civil liability, license suspension, insurance impacts, and possible jail time of a hit-and-run vastly outweigh ordinary traffic citations. Always stop, exchange insurance information, and contact the police department.
Once you’ve called 911, you’ll want to wait until Los Angeles County law enforcement arrives. Once they do, don’t admit fault or give any extra information other than a brief description of what happened. Apologizing for the incident or providing more information than necessary could hurt your defense case later on.
Learn More About California Vehicle Code 20002a: Hit and Run Involving Property Damage
If you’re facing charges under California Vehicle Code 20002a: hit and run involving property damage, you’re probably worried about how a conviction could impact your livelihood, freedom, and future. Fortunately, the team at Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an attorney who can protect you from the worst outcomes.
A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process and work tirelessly to help you avoid the consequences that come with a conviction. Contact us today to find a trusted lawyer who will handle your case with compassion, care, and attention to detail.
Fact Checked
