Glendale Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor accident on Colorado Street, a scrape outside the Glendale Galleria, or a late-night mishap on the 134 freeway can instantly disrupt your life if you react in panic and leave the scene. In Glendale, law enforcement and prosecutors take hit-and-run incidents very seriously—often filing charges even for small dents or where injuries haven’t been reported. If you’ve come home to find a police notice on your windshield or received a call from the authorities, it’s crucial to work with a local hit and run attorney who understands both the nuances of California law and the realities of local courtrooms. My Rights Law brings years of experience, deep knowledge of Vehicle Code § 20002, and proven defenses that can make the difference between harsh penalties and a reduced—or even dismissed—charge.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, prosecutors in Glendale must demonstrate every one of the “elements of the crime” found in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in a collision that caused damage to another’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, that such damage occurred.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide identifying details, and render aid when required.

An effective defense attorney attacks these points—questioning whether you actually realized a collision occurred, if you attempted to exchange information, or whether the police made assumptions without facts. Each detail can be challenged to undermine the prosecution’s 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 property damage must immediately stop at the closest safe location and provide the name and current address of the driver and owner upon request.”

Failing to do so may lead to up to six months in county jail, fines as high as $1,000, and an order to pay full restitution. In Glendale, the District Attorney typically seeks full reimbursement for repairs, towing, and any other related expenses.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Applies only when there is property damage—no injuries
• VC 20001 (Felony): Involves any injury or fatality

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Property damage costs
• VC 20001 (Felony): Medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering damages

Probation

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Informal probation for up to 3 years
• VC 20001 (Felony): Formal probation, often with strict conditions

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Glendale carries severe consequences:

• Jail time of up to six months at the Glendale police detention facility or Los Angeles County Jail.
• Fines up to $1,000, plus steep penalty assessments imposed by the court.
• Three years of informal probation, which may require community service, completion of alcohol or drug classes if applicable, and special SR-22 insurance filings.
• Full financial responsibility for all property damage, towing, and storage costs.
• Two points on your DMV record—potentially resulting in higher insurance premiums and license suspension if you have prior violations.

However, when you have a dedicated defense lawyer by your side, it’s often possible to avoid jail through a civil compromise, pre-trial diversion, or a negotiated reduction to a non-criminal infraction—protecting your record and your future.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced defense attorneys at My Rights Law have a proven track record of defeating hit-and-run charges throughout Glendale. Here’s how we build winning cases:

• Lack of Knowledge – Many clients never realize an impact occurred. Subtle bumps—especially with larger vehicles—can go unnoticed. We consult experts and use vehicle data to demonstrate reasonable unawareness.
• No Actual Damage – VC 20002 only applies when there is genuine property damage. Sometimes photos or mechanic reports show that no new harm occurred, or that alleged damage was exaggerated or pre-existing.
• Stopped and Provided Information – Occasionally, our clients stopped but the other party drove off or refused details. We use call logs, texts, and dash-cam data to verify your compliance with the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – If the other vehicle or property was unattended, the law allows you to leave a clear note with your contact information. Proper documentation can satisfy this requirement.
• Emergency Circumstances – If you left the scene temporarily due to a medical emergency, safety threat, or direction from police, this can excuse your actions under the law.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, vehicle misidentification, or stolen vehicles can result in innocent people being charged. We investigate thoroughly and subpoena critical evidence to clear your name.
• Improper Police Conduct – If officers coerced a confession or performed an unlawful stop, we move to suppress these statements, weakening or dismissing the prosecution’s case.

We personalize every defense, emphasizing your clean driving history, insurance coverage, and proactive efforts to resolve the issue. This strategic approach often transforms prosecutors into partners seeking fair, non-criminal resolutions.

Contact Our Glendale Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better chance you have to preserve critical evidence—dash-cam videos, eyewitness accounts, or repair documents that may prove your innocence. At My Rights Law, our Glendale hit and run attorneys offer a free consultation by phone at (747) 231-5090. Here’s what we do:

• Scrutinize police reports for errors or inconsistencies.
• Contact the alleged victim to negotiate a civil compromise whenever possible.
• Engage with prosecutors to seek reductions to no-point infractions or dismissal on technical grounds.
• Fight for case dismissal if there’s evidence of mistaken identity or violation of your constitutional rights.

Our team handles both misdemeanor (VC 20002) and felony (VC 20001) cases—whether your situation involves a simple bumper scrape or a complex multi-car accident. We leverage a deep knowledge of DMV regulations, insurance rules, and criminal defense tactics to protect your freedom, your license, and your reputation.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call us now at (747) 231-5090, schedule a no-cost consultation, and let our aggressive Glendale hit and run defense attorneys put you back in control of your case. Your first conversation with us could be the turning point that restores your peace of mind.