Beverly Hills Hit and Run Lawyer

Facing Hit and Run Charges in Beverly Hills? We Are Ready to Fight for Your Rights

A sudden scrape on Wilshire Boulevard, a bump in a Rodeo Drive parking structure, or a late-night mishap on Santa Monica Boulevard can spiral out of control if you panic and leave the scene. In Beverly Hills and the rest of Los Angeles County, prosecutors pursue hit and run allegations aggressively—even in cases where the property damage is minimal and no injuries are reported. The moment you receive a police notice or hear a knock on your door, you need a lawyer who understands the local legal landscape, the technicalities of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the strategic defenses that lead to charges being dismissed or reduced. At My Rights Law, we know how to fight for your future and minimize the consequences of a hit and run accusation in Beverly Hills.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the District Attorney must prove each “element of the crime” beyond a reasonable doubt as described in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in a collision that caused damage to someone else’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, exchange identification, and offer assistance as required by law.

A skilled defense attorney will scrutinize these elements—questioning whether you were aware of the accident, if you attempted to exchange information, and whether law enforcement made premature assumptions about what happened.

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 follow these requirements can lead to up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and orders for restitution. In Beverly Hills, prosecutors routinely ask for full payment of towing and repair expenses from the accused driver.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): No injury – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any bodily injury or death

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): Up to 4 years in state prison (more for severe injury)

Driver’s License Impact

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 2 points; possible suspension
• VC 20001 (Felony): Mandatory suspension; possible revocation

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Repairs to damaged property
• VC 20001 (Felony): Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering

Probation

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Informal for up to 3 years
• VC 20001 (Felony): Formal, with strict supervision

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

If convicted of misdemeanor hit and run, you face:

• Up to six months in the West Hollywood or Twin Towers jail.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus significant court assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, which may include community service, substance abuse courses if relevant, and an SR-22 insurance filing requirement.
• Financial liability for all property damage and any associated towing costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, risking higher insurance premiums and potential license suspension if your driving record is already troubled.

With the right legal approach, many first-time offenders in Beverly Hills can avoid jail time entirely—through civil compromise, pretrial diversion, or a downgrade to a non-criminal “parking lot courtesy” infraction that keeps your record clean.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished legal team at My Rights Law has overturned or reduced hundreds of hit and run charges throughout Beverly Hills by employing targeted, proven strategies such as:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely had no idea a collision happened. Sometimes a small impact, especially on a large vehicle, is barely noticeable. We enlist accident reconstruction experts and analyze vehicle data to prove your unawareness was reasonable.
• No Actual Damage – The law only applies if something was damaged. If scratches or dents were already there or exaggerated, independent inspections and repair shop reports can challenge the prosecution.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – If you stopped but the other party left before you could provide your details, cell phone records and dash cam footage can establish your intent to comply with the law.
• Owner Could Not Be Located – Leaving a clearly written note with your information is sufficient if you cannot find the property owner. We document your attempts to show you fulfilled your obligation.
• Emergency or Safety Concerns – A sudden medical emergency, threat to your safety, or instruction from law enforcement can justify temporarily leaving the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, vehicle descriptions, or even misidentification by witnesses can lead to wrongful accusations. We investigate to uncover the truth.
• Unlawful Police Actions – If officers obtained statements without proper Miranda warnings or made an illegal stop, we file motions to exclude that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case.

Every defense is customized to your unique situation. Our Beverly Hills hit and run lawyers leverage your clean driving history, insurance status, and willingness to resolve the matter, all to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact Our Beverly Hills Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is critical—delaying your response makes it harder to locate vital video evidence, witnesses, or repair records that could clear your name. Our Beverly Hills hit and run team at My Rights Law offers free immediate consultations by phone at (424) 421-2330. Here’s what we do for you:

• Analyze the arrest report for factual and legal weaknesses.
• Reach out to alleged victims to pursue a civil settlement if possible.
• Work with prosecutors and judges to reduce charges or eliminate DMV points.
• Seek full dismissal based on mistaken identity, lack of evidence, or your legal rights being violated.

Our extensive experience with both misdemeanor VC 20002 and felony VC 20001 cases means we know how to address everything from minor fender-benders to serious injury incidents. We understand the nuances of local courts, DMV proceedings, and insurance issues—protecting your license, finances, and reputation at every step.

Don’t risk your future or your driving record. Call (424) 421-2330 now to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our knowledge, experience, and dedication to work for you, so you can move forward with peace of mind and a strong defense.