Burbank Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor accident on Magnolia Boulevard, a scrape in a Burbank Town Center parking lot, or a late-night collision on the 5 Freeway can flip your life upside down if you leave the scene in a panic. Prosecutors in Burbank and all across Los Angeles County are relentless about bringing hit-and-run charges, even in cases where the damage is slight and nobody reports an injury. The moment an officer arrives at your home or leaves a card on your windshield, you need a dedicated hit-and-run lawyer who knows the Burbank courthouse, understands the subtleties of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and recognizes the specific defenses that get cases dismissed or reduced in court.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

For a conviction, the prosecution must demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, all the “elements of the crime” under CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in an accident causing damage to someone else’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about this damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, exchange identifying information, and provide help if required.

A strong attorney will contest each of these elements, questioning whether you were actually aware an impact happened, if you genuinely attempted to share your information, and if the officer on the scene made the correct call or jumped to conclusions.

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 this law can mean up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and a demand to pay restitution. In Burbank, the District Attorney often insists on full repayment of all towing and repair expenses.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

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

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Burbank can result in:

• Up to six months in the Burbank jail or Los Angeles County lockup.
• A fine of up to $1,000, not including steep penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation with possible community service, substance abuse classes if alcohol was suspected, and an SR-22 insurance requirement.
• Civil liability for all property damage and any towing fees.
• Two points on your DMV record, causing insurance increases and risking license suspension if your record isn’t spotless.

With a seasoned criminal defense lawyer advocating for you, many first-time defendants can avoid jail by negotiating a civil compromise, diversion, or a reduction to a “parking lot courtesy” infraction that keeps your record clean.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced defense team has successfully defeated countless hit and run charges throughout Burbank using proven strategies such as:

• Lack of Knowledge – You were genuinely unaware that an accident occurred. Minor contact, especially with large vehicles, can leave no noticeable evidence for the driver. We use expert testimony and technical data to support this defense.
• No Property Damage – You can only be charged under VC 20002 if actual damage happened. If marks were pre-existing or exaggerated, our lawyers leverage photos and repair estimates to undermine the prosecution.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Often, a driver pulls over but the other party leaves. Cell phone logs, dash camera data, and eyewitness accounts help prove you tried to comply with the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – The law allows for leaving a written note with your details if you hit unattended property. A clear note under the wiper blade meets legal requirements.
• Emergency Justified Departure – Medical emergencies, immediate threats, or police instructions can justify a brief departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, stolen vehicles, or ride-share confusion can cause the wrong person to be accused. We use subpoenas and surveillance footage to reveal the truth.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If law enforcement violated your rights with an illegal detention or coerced statement, we challenge that evidence to weaken or dismiss the case.

Our approach is never “one size fits all.” We highlight your clean history, insurance, and willingness to resolve the matter, often turning an adversarial prosecutor into a partner for resolution.

Contact Our Burbank Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the easier it is to secure dash-cam recordings, eyewitnesses, and receipts that can protect your future. Our Burbank hit and run defense attorneys are available now for a free, confidential consultation by calling (747) 201 4248. We will:

• Thoroughly examine the police report for mistakes or inconsistencies.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to explore a civil compromise.
• Work with the court to downgrade your charge to an infraction with no DMV points.
• Fight for dismissal if you’re factually innocent or if your rights were violated.

Our team knows the ins and outs of both VC 20002 misdemeanor cases and more serious VC 20001 charges involving injury. Whether your case is a simple scrape or a more complex situation, we combine deep knowledge of DMV procedures, insurance law, and criminal defense to safeguard your license, finances, and reputation.

Don’t risk a lifelong criminal record. Contact our office at (747) 201 4248 and book a free strategy session today. Let us provide the focused defense you need. With just one call, you can turn anxiety into a clear legal plan and get back behind the wheel with confidence.