If you're rich enough, you can run someone over, and the DA will call it a misdemeanor.  After all, if the guy had to admit to a felony, it could affect his business.  The surgeon he hit is going to be in pain, and probably unable to practice, for the rest of his life, but he doesn't live in the state, so no biggie.

It's almost as good as being able to shoot someone and make him claim it was his fault.