Buena Park Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor accident on Beach Boulevard, a parking-lot scrape at Buena Park Mall, or an unexpected late-night collision on the 5 Freeway can upend your world if you panic and drive off. Prosecutors in Buena Park and across Orange County are known for filing hit and run charges—even in cases of minimal property damage and no reported injuries. The moment you receive a visit from law enforcement or find a notice on your windshield, it’s time to call an attorney who is deeply familiar with the Buena Park court system, the details of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the defenses that have been proven to succeed. Our team at My Rights Law stands ready to advocate for your rights and minimize the impact on your life.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict, the prosecutor must be able to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, the following “elements of the crime” listed in CALCRIM 2150:

• Were involved in an accident that caused damage to someone else’s vehicle or property.
• Knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• Willfully failed to stop, provide identifying information, and offer assistance when required.

A skilled attorney examines each element, contesting whether you actually knew an accident occurred, whether you tried to exchange information, and whether law enforcement rushed to judgment in your case.

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 may result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and full restitution. In Buena Park, prosecutors typically add demands for repayment of all towing and repair costs as part of the sentence.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): None – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any bodily harm or fatality

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Property repairs
• VC 20001 (Felony): Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction carries:

• Up to six months in the Orange County Jail or a local facility.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus significant penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, possibly with community service, required classes if impairment is suspected, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Civil responsibility for all property damage and towing costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, which can mean higher insurance rates and possible license suspension if your record is shaky.

With a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer working your case, many first-time offenders avoid jail through a civil compromise, diversion, or “parking lot courtesy” plea that can wipe out criminal charges entirely.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced legal team at My Rights Law has successfully defeated hundreds of hit-and-run allegations in Buena Park. These are the defenses that get results:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely didn’t know a collision occurred. Light impacts—especially on trucks or SUVs—can leave drivers unaware. We use accident-reconstruction professionals and vehicle data to prove your unawareness was reasonable.
• No Property Damage – The law only applies if actual property damage happened. Old paint chips or exaggerated claims by the other party can be challenged with photos and repair records.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes, you stop but the other vehicle leaves. We use dash-cam footage, phone records, and witness statements to show you fulfilled your legal duty.
• Unable to Locate Owner – The statute allows for leaving a note when you can’t find the owner. A properly written message left in a visible spot on unattended property is sufficient.
• Emergency Justified Departure – Medical emergencies, personal safety threats, or police instructions may justify leaving the scene temporarily.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, mistaken witnesses, or issues involving rental/rideshare cars can lead to wrongful accusations. We obtain dispatch logs and surveillance footage to clear your name.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If police failed to follow legal procedure—like improper detentions or failing to read your Miranda rights—we challenge all evidence, often resulting in the case being dismissed.

We craft each defense strategy to your unique situation, emphasizing your clean background, insurance status, and willingness to make things right—turning a prosecutor into a negotiator, not an adversary.

Contact Our Buena Park Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of gathering crucial dash-cam evidence, tracking down witnesses, or securing records that support your defense. Our Buena Park hit and run defense attorneys are ready to provide a free consultation by phone at (657) 378-7278. Here’s how we can help:

• Analyze police reports for weaknesses and inconsistencies.
• Contact the alleged victim to work toward a civil compromise.
• Negotiate with the court to reduce or dismiss your charges—possibly down to a no-point infraction.
• Push for case dismissal based on insufficient evidence or legal violations.

We have deep experience with both misdemeanor VC 20002 and felony VC 20001 cases in Buena Park. Whether your situation involves a simple scratch or a more complex accident, we understand DMV procedures, insurance rules, and the criminal courts inside and out. Let us protect your driving privileges, finances, and future.

Don’t leave your case to chance. Call us today at (657) 378-7278 for a confidential, free consultation. Our legal team is here to put you back in control and ensure you get the best possible outcome.