Brea Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor collision on Birch Street, a scraped bumper in the Brea Mall parking lot, or a late-night accident on the 57 freeway can instantly change everything—especially if fear leads you to leave the scene. Prosecutors in Brea and throughout Orange County aggressively pursue hit-and-run cases, even when no injuries are reported and the property damage is minimal. If an officer shows up at your home or leaves a note on your car, it’s time to act fast. You need a hit and run lawyer with local expertise, deep familiarity with California Vehicle Code § 20002, and a proven ability to challenge each step of the prosecution’s case. My Rights Law is committed to protecting your future, your license, and your reputation from the severe fallout of a hit and run accusation in Brea.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt every “element of the crime” set out in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in an accident causing damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, that damage had occurred.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide identifying information, and render any assistance required.

A skilled defense attorney will contest each point, questioning whether you genuinely knew an accident happened, whether you made efforts to exchange information, and whether the investigation jumped to unfair conclusions or assumptions about your conduct.

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, provide the name and current address of the driver and owner.”

Failure to comply can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and the court ordering you to pay for property repairs and towing. In Brea, prosecutors often demand full restitution and prompt compensation to victims as part of their case.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): No – applies to property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any injury or fatality to a person

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): Up to 4 years in state prison (even longer for serious injuries)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Covers property repairs and towing
• VC 20001 (Felony): Covers medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Brea can lead to:

• Up to six months in Orange County Jail or the Theo Lacy Facility.
• A fine of up to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments and court costs.
• Three years of informal probation, often requiring community service, counseling, or attendance in DUI classes if alcohol was suspected.
• Financial responsibility for all property damage, including repair and towing fees.
• Two points on your DMV record, which can trigger major insurance rate hikes or even a suspended license if your driving record isn’t clean.

With a seasoned defense lawyer advocating on your behalf, many drivers facing their first hit and run charge avoid jail time through a civil compromise, diversion program, or a plea to a lesser infraction that eliminates a criminal conviction.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced defense team at My Rights Law has successfully defended countless hit and run cases in Brea by using targeted strategies such as:

• Lack of Knowledge – You honestly didn’t know there was contact. A low-speed nudge, especially on a high-riding SUV, may go completely unnoticed. We employ accident experts and technical data to prove you were unaware.
• No Actual Property Damage – Prosecution must show something was actually harmed. If alleged damage was pre-existing or the complainant exaggerates, our investigation and photos can undermine the claim.
• Stopped and Shared Information – Sometimes drivers do pull over, but the other party leaves before information is exchanged. Cellphone records, receipts, and witness testimony can show you met your obligation.
• Couldn’t Locate Owner – California law allows leaving a note with your information if you hit a parked car or unattended property. Proper documentation can prove you complied with the law.
• Justified Departure – Emergencies, threats to safety, or law enforcement instructions can justify a temporary departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Mistakes with license plates, borrowed vehicles, or mix-ups with ride-share drivers are common. We use surveillance, dispatch records, and alibi evidence to clear your name.
• Unlawful Police Actions – If you were questioned without Miranda warnings or stopped illegally, our attorneys will file motions to exclude any unlawfully obtained statements or evidence.

We customize every defense, drawing on your clean record, valid insurance, and willingness to make amends when appropriate. Our firm’s reputation for thoroughness can shift the negotiation in your favor, often leading to reduced or dismissed charges.

Contact Our Brea Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you call, the greater the chance of preserving video evidence, witness statements, and repair records that can help your case. At My Rights Law, our Brea hit and run attorneys offer a confidential, no-cost consultation by phone at (657) 378-7278. Here’s what we do for you:

• Examine police reports for errors or oversights.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to pursue a civil compromise whenever possible.
• Advocate for reduction to a no-point violation or outright dismissal based on lack of evidence or violations of your rights.
• Develop a strong legal strategy for both misdemeanor and felony hit and run allegations.

Whether you’re facing accusations over a parking-lot scratch or a more complex accident, our legal team leverages deep knowledge of Orange County courts, DMV regulations, and insurance issues to defend your driver’s license, your finances, and your freedom.

Don’t let panic or uncertainty ruin your future. Call our office at (657) 378-7278 for your free case review. Our dedicated Brea hit and run lawyer will work relentlessly to get you the best possible outcome—so you can move forward with confidence.