What is the penalty for a hit and run?

About a month ago, my parents got me my new car. In the second day I drove it, I drove to school, and was finding parking. I found a spot next to a white... something (forgot what car it was), and tried to park. At first it didn't make it, so I put it on reverse (or so I thought) while being distracted by my backpack falling down. I looked at my backpack, looked in back of me, and reversed... except it was still on drive, and I hit the parked car in front of me. No one was in it at the time, and being the second day I drove the car, I paniced. At first I parked thinking what I should do, but later I got too scared about what my parents would do, so I left thinking no one would find out. Its been a month and a half now, and I got mail saying a collision report number 9-516 was filed with the california highway patrol.
What would the consequences be for what I did? I haven't told my parents yet, but I will soon.
Additional Details
i live in california, and does any one know what's the LEAST that can happen to me? thanks

shel

I'm sorry to hear this, I'd hate to be in your shoes. Good luck with this, but yes, if someone hit my car and drove off---I'd be...well....pissed!

Any person who operates a motor vehicle and is involved in an accident is required by law to stop in a safe place, provide information to the owner of whatever property may have been damaged (car, property, person, etc.), and render aid to anyone who was injured if necessary. Those who cause property damage and are unable to identify or contact the property''s owner are legally required to leave a note with contact information and file an accident report with the police. Failure to do these things constitutes a hit and run.

Sentences can range from a suspended license and fines to serious jail time. In addition, those convicted of a hit and run may lose their vehicle.
What determines the sentence:
* The nature of the accident
* The extent of damage
* Personal injuries
* Cooperation with law enforcement
* Criminal record

Just be calm, state that you made a mistake and cooperate with law enforcement, you'll probably be okay.

Annie

Yep, jail time. Hit and runs are no laughing matter. The law takes them seriously

Scott H

Where I live, hit and run is a felony. If you can't be responsible for your actions, you shouldn't be driving.

Angela

Jail time. People who run from hitting somebody with their car are pathetic cowards.

renae160986

You may get a fine for hitting the car and not reporting it. If you had of left a note for the owner then it could have been followed up with the insurance company and a standard excess amount paid to fix the damage. Unless you can sort something with the owner and perhaps write an apology letter and offer to pay to fix it it could be a fine and/or matter for the courts :(

entidtil

The penalty for hit and run can be anything from a fine to jail time.

Mike

If youre under 18, a MAJOR fine, and community service will probably be all you'll get. If youre 18, an even bigger fine, and jail time if you cant pay it. sorry

Gashly

I don't think it will be that serious, probably just a fine.
Edit: lol to the person above, yes hitting a person would be jail time, making a dent in a car is abit different...

fishlakeguy

probably no jail time if you are a 1st time offender, but probation will be likely, along with fines and reparations to the cars owner for damages. And you will lose your license for awhile.
Reporting it right away would lead to no charges, but not reporting is a crime against the State, so you will have to pay even if the car owner doesn't want to press charges.

yoo yoo

omg my sister did that.. but they dont know her license plate... number so she was ok.. but the car was not damaged but only alilttle scratch the other car was ok.. too.. shes an under 18 driver.. she has her license but.. but shes 16 she was so scared she took off.... i hope a letter in the mail comes in about that incident

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