Hit & Run Bail Amounts in California: Misdemeanor vs. Felony

Hit & Run Bail Amounts in California: Misdemeanor vs. Felony

A hit and run in California can be a low-level misdemeanor that ends in a citation — or a felony with bail in the six figures. The single biggest factor is whether anyone was hurt. Property damage only is one statute; injury or death is another, far more serious one. This guide breaks down how bail is set for each so you know what to expect before you call.

Bail is set by the county bail schedule where the arrest happened, then confirmed or adjusted at arraignment. A bail bond costs a premium of about 10% of the full amount — estimate yours with our California bail cost calculator.

The two California hit-and-run laws

“Hit and run” isn’t one charge — it’s two different Vehicle Code sections, and which one applies decides almost everything about bail:

Misdemeanor hit and run (Vehicle Code 20002) — leaving the scene of an accident that caused property damage only. No injuries. This is the lower tier.
Felony hit and run (Vehicle Code 20001) — leaving the scene of an accident that caused injury or death to another person. This is a wobbler that can be charged as a felony, with bail rising sharply when injuries are serious or someone died.

Note that the underlying fault in the crash isn’t the issue — the crime is leaving. You can be charged even if the collision wasn’t your fault, simply for failing to stop, identify yourself, and exchange information.

Typical bail ranges for hit and run in California

Exact numbers vary by county — Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino each publish their own bail schedule. Treat the ranges below as typical, not guaranteed, and remember any of them can change at arraignment.

Misdemeanor (VC 20002), property damage only: frequently cite-and-release, or bail in the low thousands.
Felony (VC 20001), causing injury: commonly in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Felony (VC 20001), serious injury or death: can reach the high five or six figures, especially with aggravating factors.

Because the spread is so wide, the most reliable way to learn the real number is to have a licensed bondsman pull the booking record. Start by locating the person with our California inmate locator.

What pushes hit-and-run bail higher

Injury severity. The line between property damage and bodily injury is the single biggest multiplier; death raises it dramatically.
DUI involvement. If alcohol or drugs are alleged alongside the hit and run, the charges stack and bail climbs.
Prior record. Previous DUIs, hit and runs, or felonies push the number up.
Aggravating facts. Excessive speed, a suspended license, or fleeing law enforcement can all increase bail.
Holds. A probation, parole, or immigration hold can block release even after bail is posted — see our guide to police, ICE & “no bail” holds.

Can hit-and-run bail be reduced?

Often, yes — especially for misdemeanor, property-only cases. At arraignment, usually within 48 hours of arrest (see our arraignment guide), a defense attorney can argue for release on the defendant’s own recognizance or a reduced amount based on a clean record, community ties, and the realistic strength of the case. Felony injury cases are harder to reduce, but it is always worth requesting.

How a bail bond works for a hit-and-run charge

If bail is set and you can’t pay it in full, a licensed bondsman posts it for a premium of roughly 10%. On a $35,000 felony hit-and-run bail, that’s about $3,500, and a payment plan can split it up. See how a $500 down bail bond gets things moving in LA County, and read the full mechanics in our how does bail work guide. Before you sign, know what a cosigner takes on in our cosigner guide.

Step-by-step if a loved one was arrested for hit and run

Locate them and get the booking number with the inmate locator.
Call a licensed bondsman to confirm whether it’s a VC 20002 misdemeanor or VC 20001 felony, the bail amount, and any hold.
Get representation for any felony or injury-related charge before arraignment.
Arrange the bond with a cosigner and the premium or a payment plan.
Post and go. Release timing depends on the jail — see how long it takes to get out.

One more thing: if a court date is ever missed on a hit-and-run case, a bench warrant can follow fast. If that happens, act immediately — our guide to clearing a bench warrant explains how.

Hit-and-run arrest in California? Let’s find the real bail and get them home. Call 800.590.7321 or message 626.862.0627 any time.

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24-hour California bail bonds — anywhere in the state. Call 800.590.7321 or send us a message.

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