Aliso Viejo Hit and Run Lawyer

Facing Hit and Run Charges in Aliso Viejo? We Are Ready to Fight for Your Rights

A sudden fender-bender on Aliso Creek Road, a scraped bumper at the Aliso Viejo Town Center, or a late-night incident on the 73 can quickly spiral into panic if you leave the scene. In Aliso Viejo and throughout Orange County, prosecutors aggressively pursue hit-and-run charges, even for minor accidents or where no injury is reported. The moment a police officer knocks at your door or leaves a notice on your windshield, you need an attorney who knows local court procedures, the intricacies of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the defenses that truly persuade judges and prosecutors. At My Rights Law, we provide experienced, focused representation to help you minimize or eliminate the impact of a hit and run accusation.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following “elements of the crime” as listed in CALCRIM 2150:

• That you were involved in an accident causing damage to someone else’s vehicle or property.
• That you knew, or reasonably should have known, about the damage.
• That you willfully failed to stop, provide identification, or offer necessary assistance as required by law.

A skilled hit and run attorney will challenge every element—questioning whether you truly knew a collision happened, whether you attempted to share information, and whether the investigating officer drew the wrong conclusion from the facts.

California Vehicle Code § 20002 – Misdemeanor Hit and Run

Language of the statute (condensed):

“The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting solely in damage to property shall immediately stop at the nearest safe location and shall, upon request, supply the name and current residence address of the driver and owner.”

Failing to comply can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and a requirement to pay full restitution. In Aliso Viejo, prosecutors routinely demand payment for all towing and repair bills, adding pressure on the accused to settle quickly and fairly.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Applies to property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any case involving bodily injury or death

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Up to 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): Up to 4 years in state prison (more if the injuries are severe)

Driver’s License Impact

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 2 DMV points, risk of suspension
• VC 20001 (Felony): Mandatory suspension or revocation

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Covers property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Includes medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering

Probation

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Informal, up to 3 years
• VC 20001 (Felony): Formal probation, strict terms

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A conviction for misdemeanor hit and run in Aliso Viejo can lead to:

• Up to six months in the Orange County Jail.
• Fines up to $1,000, plus significant court penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, often with mandatory community service, substance abuse classes if relevant, and SR-22 insurance filing requirements.
• Civil liability for all related property damage and towing fees.
• Two points on your DMV record, which can cause insurance rates to spike and may result in a license suspension for those with prior infractions.

With the right criminal defense strategy, many first-time offenders avoid jail time altogether—often through civil compromise, pretrial diversion, or a “parking lot courtesy” deal that can wipe away criminal charges entirely.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced legal defense team at My Rights Law has successfully resolved hundreds of hit and run cases in Aliso Viejo and Orange County. Here’s how we approach your defense:

• Lack of Knowledge – You may have been unaware that a minor impact occurred. It’s common not to notice a light tap on a trailer hitch or when driving a large vehicle. We employ accident reconstruction and expert testimony to support your version of events.
• No Property Damage – If the alleged “damage” was pre-existing or exaggerated, or if there was no actual harm, we use photos and expert reports to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes, you pulled over but the other party drove away first. Dash-cam footage, cell records, and witness statements can demonstrate you did your duty under the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – California law allows you to leave your contact information in writing when property is unattended. If you left a note, you complied with the law.
• Emergency Departure – Medical emergencies, threats to personal safety, or even police instructions may excuse your temporary absence from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Mistaken vehicle identification, license plate mix-ups, or stolen cars often lead to wrongful accusations. We dig into dispatch logs and video footage to clear your name.
• Unlawful Stop or Statement – If police violated your rights during questioning or detention, we move to suppress those statements and evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case.

No two defenses are exactly alike. We highlight positive factors like your clean driving history, valid insurance, and willingness to resolve any genuine loss—helping to persuade prosecutors and judges to look for a fair outcome rather than maximum punishment.

Contact Our Aliso Viejo Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is of the essence—evidence like dash-cam recordings, eyewitness accounts, or repair bills can quickly disappear. Our Aliso Viejo hit and run attorneys offer an immediate, confidential case review by phone at (949) 942-8580. We will:

• Analyze your arrest paperwork for legal issues.
• Contact any alleged victims to discuss civil compromise and restitution options.
• Negotiate for charge reductions or “no-point” resolutions whenever possible.
• Fight for dismissal based on lack of evidence or violation of your legal rights.

We have deep experience with both misdemeanor and felony hit and run cases, ranging from simple parking lot bumps to complicated multi-car collisions. Our knowledge of DMV regulations, insurance subrogation, and local criminal procedures is put to work defending your license, your finances, and your reputation.

Don’t risk a criminal record or a suspended license. Call us now at (949) 942-8580, schedule your free consultation, and let our aggressive hit and run lawyers build a winning defense. One call could mean the difference between sleepless nights and a successful solution.