Full question:
My 19 year old son borrowed a friends car. It was foggy and the ground was moist. When he stopped at a stop sign and accelerated too fast and lost control, he hit a parked car and then fled the scene. What penalties is he likely to face?
- Category: Criminal
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
In California, your son could face serious penalties for reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. Reckless driving is defined as driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property (Cal. Veh. Code § 23103). If convicted, he may face:
- Imprisonment in a county jail for five to ninety days,
- A fine ranging from one hundred forty-five dollars ($145) to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or
- Both imprisonment and a fine.
If his reckless driving caused bodily injury to someone else, the penalties could increase significantly. He could face:
- Imprisonment for thirty days to six months,
- A fine from two hundred twenty dollars ($220) to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or
- Both imprisonment and a fine.
Additionally, fleeing the scene of an accident can lead to further legal consequences, including potential charges for hit and run. It's important to consult with a legal professional for specific advice and representation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.