A police arrest is the last thing anyone wants, even if you are a suspect in a serious crime like a hit-and-run. And the law even says innocent until proven guilty. So it’s best to secure your freedom before the case trial starts, which can be weeks, months or years after an arrest. This can help you prepare to fight off the allegations or prepare for them constructively.
Wondering how to secure your freedom once the arrest is made? This can be done through bail bonds La Verne. But first, it is essential to know about hit-and-run offenses and charges to better understand how to deal with them through bail bonds.
What Does Hit-and-Run Mean?
Hit-and-run is a crime that occurs when a driver is involved in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian and leaves the scene without providing insurance details or contact information to the affected individuals or law enforcement.
According to Vehicle Code (VC) 20001, you are legally required to do the following after being involved in an accident:
- Stop your vehicle at the location of the incident.
- Share your identification details, such as your name and insurance information, with others involved.
- Offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured if you are able to.
- Provide your driver’s license number to the other parties.
- Contact the police immediately if the accident results in a fatality.
These legal obligations apply to all accidents involving property damage, injuries, or fatalities, regardless of fault. A failure to follow these rules can lead to your arrest and charges for a hit-and-run offense, even if the other driver is clearly at fault.
Types of Hit-and-Runs
Hit-and-run incidents are classified into four primary categories:
- Phantom Drivers: These are individuals who cause accidents without making physical contact with another vehicle and then flee the scene. They are treated the same as hit-and-run drivers under the law.
- Property Damage: This includes accidents with no injuries or deaths, such as hitting a parked or unattended vehicle. Although these may seem minor, leaving the scene is still illegal.
- Personal Injury: The offense becomes more severe when a driver injures someone and flees. The injured party could be another driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. Even if the injuries are not life-threatening, such cases often result in felony charges.
- Fatal Accidents: The most severe type of hit-and-run involves fatalities. These cases carry the harshest legal consequences.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Charge?
The severity of hit-and-run charges depends on factors such as the nature of the accident and the resulting harm or damage.
A hit-and-run charge occurs when a driver involved in a traffic accident leaves the scene without providing the necessary information or assistance, as required by law. The severity of such charges typically depends on the circumstances of the accident and the damage or injuries caused.
California’s Hit-and-Run Laws
In California, hit-and-run charges are covered under Vehicle Code Sections 20001 and 20002. The first one is for property damage, and the second one is for personal injury or death. Let’s have a look at them in detail:
Hit-and-Run Involving Property Damage (Vehicle Code Section 20002)
Classification: Misdemeanor.
Penalties:
- Fines up to $1,000.
- Up to six months in county jail.
- Potential restitution for damages caused.
Hit-and-Run Involving Injury or Death (Vehicle Code Section 20001)
Classification: Felony.
Penalties:
- Fines between $1,000 and $10,000.
- Prison sentence of up to four years if serious injuries or fatalities occur.
- Enhanced penalties if alcohol or drugs are involved.
Key Factors Influencing Severity
There are a few factors that influence the severity of the charge:
- Nature of the Accident: Whether it involved only property damage or resulted in physical harm or death.
- Driver’s Actions: Failing to stop, provide identification, or render aid can escalate charges.
- Aggravating Circumstances: Reckless driving, intoxication or something similar.
California’s laws emphasize both accountability and the protection of accident victims. This makes it crucial for drivers to understand their obligations after an accident. Other factors, like the driver being under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if they are a repeat offender, can also impact the charges and penalties.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Offenses
The consequences for hit-and-run offenses depend on the specific details of the accident, including the extent of the damage or injuries.
- Property Damage: Leaving the scene after causing property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor. Penalties may include up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and fines of up to $500.
- Injury: Hit-and-runs involving injuries are classified as third-degree felonies. Convictions can result in up to five years in prison, five years of probation, fines of up to $10,000, and a minimum three-year driver’s license revocation.
- Serious Bodily Injury: Accidents causing serious bodily injuries are considered second-degree felonies. These injuries are typically defined as posing a significant risk of:
- Death
- Severe and lasting disfigurement
- Prolonged loss or impairment of a body part, organ, or mental faculty.
Penalties include up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, fines of up to $10,000, and a minimum three-year driver’s license revocation.
- Fatal Accidents: Hit-and-run cases involving fatalities are charged as first-degree felonies. Punishments include a mandatory minimum of four years in prison, with a maximum sentence of up to 30 years. Additional penalties include up to 30 years of probation, fines of up to $10,000, and a minimum three-year driver’s license revocation.
What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Arrest?
When someone is arrested for a hit-and-run, they are taken to a local jail. This is where they undergo booking and processing. After processing, the individual may have the opportunity to post bond immediately or may need to wait for a first appearance hearing before a judge. This hearing usually takes place on the next business day. During this time, the judge reviews the circumstances of the case and determines whether bail will be granted and the amount.
How Can a Bondsman Help in a Hit-and-Run Case?
While it is up to the judge to decide if bail is granted and set the amount, the cost of bail can sometimes be beyond what the individual or their family can afford. This is where a bail bondsman comes in, as they help alleviate this burden. A reliable bail bond in La Verne company posts bail by paying the amount. In return, they charge just a 10% fee of the total bail amount. This is the standard pricing, but it can vary too. This fee is non-refundable. The company also offers payment plans to accommodate those in need and ensures clients fully understand the bail process while assisting in securing their release.
Smart Choice Bail Bonds have got you!
Are you confused about which bail bond in La Verne company to go for? Smart Choice Bail Bonds have got you covered! We have solid expertise and years of experience in dealing with various types of hit-and-run cases where we have successfully posted bail for our valued clients. We understand that this is a sensitive topic that can take a toll on you. This is why we deal with you with full professionalism, patience and support.
We are available 24 hours a day for your service so that you don’t have to face the anxieties of staying in jail without being convicted of any crime.
Learn more about our services!
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