Fullerton Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor collision on Harbor Boulevard, a scrape in a Fullerton parking structure, or an unexpected late-night accident can quickly spiral out of control if you leave the scene. In Fullerton, law enforcement and local prosecutors aggressively pursue hit-and-run charges—even when there’s only property damage and no one was injured. As soon as you get a call from the police or find a notice left on your car, it’s critical to have a hit-and-run attorney on your side who knows the ins and outs of Fullerton’s courts, the nuances of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the real strategies that can lead to charges being dropped or reduced. My Rights Law is ready to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, these “elements of the crime” under CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in a collision that resulted in damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your information, and offer help if required.

An experienced attorney challenges each point—questioning whether you truly knew an accident happened, whether you tried to exchange information, and whether law enforcement assumed too much without solid proof.

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 required restitution. In Fullerton, prosecutors nearly always seek full payment for towing and repair costs on top of any criminal penalty.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

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

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit-and-run conviction in Fullerton can bring:

• Up to six months in the Orange County Jail.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus significant penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, potentially including community service, alcohol or drug classes if relevant, and mandatory SR-22 insurance filings.
• Civil liability for all property damage and towing expenses.
• Two DMV points, which can cause insurance rate increases and, for drivers with prior issues, a possible license suspension.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer, many first-offenders avoid jail time through a civil compromise, diversion programs, or plea deals that eliminate the criminal record entirely.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished defense team has successfully handled countless hit-and-run cases in Fullerton. Here are proven defense strategies we use:

• Lack of Knowledge – You were genuinely unaware that a collision took place. For example, a minor tap on a large SUV’s trailer hitch may not be felt inside the vehicle. We use expert testimony and technical evidence to demonstrate this reasonable lack of awareness.
• No Actual Damage – The law only applies if something was truly damaged. If the claimed harm was pre-existing or exaggerated, we obtain photographic proof and repair estimates to counter the allegations.
• Information Was Exchanged – If you stopped and tried to exchange information but the other party left, we use phone records and dashcam evidence to show you complied with the law.
• Unable to Locate the Owner – California law allows you to leave a note with your contact information if you cannot find the owner of damaged property. A clear written message fulfills this requirement.
• Emergency Departure – Leaving the scene may be justified if you were facing a medical emergency, personal danger, or acting on police instruction.
• Mistaken Identity – Sometimes the wrong person is accused due to license plate errors, stolen vehicles, or rideshare confusion. We use investigative methods to expose these errors and clear your name.
• Unlawful Police Actions – If law enforcement violated your rights by conducting an illegal stop or coercing a confession, we move to suppress that evidence, often resulting in a weaker prosecution case.

Every defense is custom-tailored to your situation. We emphasize your clean record, valid insurance, and willingness to resolve the matter, turning even the most aggressive prosecutors into negotiating partners.

Contact Our Fullerton Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence like dashcam video, witness accounts, and repair invoices that can support your defense. Our Fullerton hit-and-run attorneys provide a free immediate consultation by phone at (657) 378-7278. Here’s what we can do:

• Scrutinize police and accident reports for mistakes.
• Contact the alleged victim to arrange a civil compromise.
• Work with the court to downgrade your charge to a no-point infraction.
• Fight for dismissal based on factual innocence or procedural violations of your rights.

We know Fullerton’s court system, and our attorneys handle both minor property cases and serious injury matters under VC 20001. Whether you’re dealing with a scratched fender or a more complex accident, we leverage our experience in DMV hearings, insurance disputes, and criminal defense to protect your license, your finances, and your reputation.

Don’t risk a lifetime record for a single mistake. Call us now at (657) 378-7278 for a free consultation. With the right hit and run lawyer by your side, you can turn confusion and fear into a clear, confident legal strategy.