El Monte Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A fender-bender on Valley Boulevard, a parking lot scrape near the El Monte Shopping Center, or a late-night collision on the 10 freeway can spiral into a life-changing event if you panic and leave the scene. Prosecutors in El Monte and throughout Los Angeles County aggressively file hit and run charges, even when the damage is minimal or there are no injuries reported. If you find an officer’s notice on your windshield or receive a knock at your door, it’s time to get an experienced hit and run attorney on your side—someone who knows how local courts handle these cases, understands the technicalities of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and can leverage proven defense strategies to get your case reduced or dismissed. My Rights Law is here to stand up for you.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict someone of hit and run, the prosecution must prove each “element of the crime” as outlined in CALCRIM 2150, and prove it beyond a reasonable doubt:

• You were involved in an accident that resulted in damage to someone else’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about this damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide identification, and offer assistance when required by law.

A skilled hit and run defense attorney will challenge these elements—disputing whether you knew a collision even occurred, whether you made a reasonable attempt to exchange details, and whether law enforcement acted prematurely in their 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 do so can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and an order to pay full restitution. In El Monte, prosecutors often seek reimbursement for towing, storage, and all related repair costs.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): None – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any 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 (longer for major injuries)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in El Monte can bring serious consequences, including:

• Up to six months in county jail.
• Fines up to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments.
• Up to three years of informal probation, often with requirements like community service, substance abuse classes if there are allegations of impairment, and mandatory SR-22 insurance filings.
• Civil liability for all property damage and towing expenses.
• Two points on your DMV record—causing insurance rates to climb and risking a license suspension if you have prior violations.

However, a knowledgeable defense lawyer can often negotiate alternatives for first-time offenders—such as civil compromise, diversion, or a reduction to a non-criminal infraction—helping to protect your future and your clean record.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our highly experienced legal team has resolved hundreds of hit-and-run cases throughout El Monte by using focused, case-specific strategies like these:

• Lack of Knowledge – You didn’t realize an accident happened. Light contact with another vehicle may go completely unnoticed. We consult experts to prove that a reasonable person might not have known about the alleged incident.
• No Actual Property Damage – The law applies only if there’s provable damage. If marks were already present or if the other party exaggerated their loss, we use photos, estimates, and expert opinions to challenge the evidence.
• Stopped and Provided Information – Sometimes you stopped but the other party left, or refused to communicate. Cellphone records and dashcam video can show you did your legal duty.
• Could Not Find Owner – If the owner was not present, the law allows you to leave your contact information in a note on the vehicle or property. A clearly written note is a full legal defense.
• Emergency Excuse – Medical emergencies, threats to personal safety, or even police instructions may justify leaving the scene temporarily. We document these facts to show your actions were reasonable.
• Mistaken Identity – License plate errors, vehicle theft, or rideshare confusion frequently lead to the wrong person being accused. We obtain records and surveillance to clear your name.
• Unlawful Stop or Statement – If police violated your rights, such as by coercing a confession or making an illegal detention, we file motions to suppress that evidence and often weaken the entire case.

No two cases are alike. We adapt every defense to the facts of your situation—highlighting your clean record, valid insurance, and willingness to make restitution. Our approach can turn even a hostile prosecutor into a negotiating partner focused on a fair resolution.

Contact Our El Monte Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you contact a skilled attorney, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence—like dash-cam footage, eyewitness accounts, or repair bills—that could clear your name. Our El Monte hit and run team offers a free, immediate consultation by phone at (626) 412-4840. Here’s how we help:

• We thoroughly review police reports and spot weaknesses.
• We reach out to the alleged victim to pursue a civil compromise whenever possible.
• We negotiate with prosecutors and judges to seek a reduction to a non-criminal infraction or to have the case dismissed.
• We press for dismissal based on factual innocence, violations of your rights, or lack of evidence.

Our team is adept at handling both misdemeanor VC 20002 charges and more serious felony VC 20001 cases involving injury. No matter if you’re dealing with a minor scrape or a more complicated accident, we understand the local El Monte court system, DMV regulations, and insurance procedures to help shield your license and your future.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call our office now at (626) 412-4840 to set up your free consultation. Let an aggressive hit and run lawyer develop a defense plan designed for your specific case—so you can move forward with peace of mind and confidence.