California Vehicle Code 20002 – Hit and Run (Property Damage)

Overview

Vehicle Code 20002 VC makes it a misdemeanor to leave the scene of an accident involving property damage without identifying yourself. Unlike hit and run involving injuries (VC 20001), this offense applies only when no one is hurt, but property is damaged—like another car, a fence, or a mailbox.

Even though it’s a misdemeanor, a conviction can result in fines, probation, jail time, increased insurance rates, and potential license suspension.

At Jones Trial Attorneys, we fight hit and run charges by proving lack of knowledge, resolving disputes civilly, and pursuing dismissals through creative and proactive defense.

Legal Definition

Vehicle Code § 20002(a) states:

“The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property… shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists… and shall, upon locating the owner or person in charge of that property, provide their name and address.”

Elements of the Crime

To convict someone under VC 20002, the prosecution must prove:

1. You were involved in a vehicle accident that caused damage to someone else’s property;

2. You knew (or should have known) that damage occurred; and

3. You willfully failed to stop and provide identifying information to the property owner or authorities.

Note: The law applies even if you didn’t cause the accident—just being involved triggers the duty to stop.

Penalties for VC 20002

Vehicle Code 20002 is a misdemeanor and carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 6 months in county jail

• Fines up to $1,000 (plus restitution for the damage)

• Informal probation

• Points on your DMV record

• Community service or driving school

• Possible license suspension in aggravating cases

For first-time or minor offenses, diversion or civil compromise may be available, resulting in no criminal conviction.

Defenses to Hit and Run Charges

We’ve defended clients in VC 20002 cases using arguments such as:

• You didn’t know damage occurred

• You were not the driver of the vehicle at the time

• You stopped and tried to locate the owner but couldn’t

• No actual damage occurred

• You were in danger or felt threatened, and leaving was reasonable under the circumstances

We also frequently negotiate dismissals upon payment of restitution, especially for clients with no prior record.

Immigration and Employment Consequences

While not a violent or moral turpitude offense, a VC 20002 conviction can:

• Affect immigration status if tied to a pattern of criminal conduct

• Show up on background checks for years

• Impact jobs involving commercial driving, security, or public trust

We take care to resolve these cases in ways that protect your record and reputation.

Related Offenses

• VC 20001 – Hit and Run Causing Injury or Death

• VC 23152 – DUI

• PC 594 – Vandalism

• PC 602 – Trespassing

How Jones Trial Attorneys Can Help

A hit and run charge doesn’t make you a criminal—but how you respond could define the outcome. We pursue dismissals, civil compromises, and record-clearing resolutions, often before charges are even filed.

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