Hit and Run Lawyer in Colton

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

A minor accident on Valley Boulevard, a scratch in a Colton shopping plaza parking lot, or a late-night fender-bender on the 10 freeway can spiral out of control if you leave the scene out of fear or confusion. Law enforcement in Colton and San Bernardino County are known for aggressively pursuing hit and run prosecutions—even for minor property damage or accidents where no one is hurt. If you’ve come home to a police notice or had an officer contact you about an alleged hit and run, you need a focused and experienced attorney who knows the Colton courthouse, the ins and outs of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the practical strategies that convince prosecutors and judges to drop or reduce charges. My Rights Law is ready to protect your rights and future.

Ready to speak with a Colton hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online.

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.

An effective hit and run lawyer will challenge every element—whether you genuinely knew about the contact, whether you tried to exchange information, and whether officers made premature assumptions or errors in the investigation.

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.”

Failure to comply can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and orders for restitution. In Colton, prosecutors almost always seek full payment of towing and repair costs in addition to any criminal penalties.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

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

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): 4 years in state prison (more if 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, and pain and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction can bring severe consequences, including:

• Up to six months in the West Valley Detention Center.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus substantial penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation with possible community service, alcohol or drug classes if suspected, and SR-22 insurance requirements.
• Full civil responsibility for all property losses and towing bills.
• Two DMV points, which can trigger steep insurance increases and even license suspension for repeat offenders.

With a knowledgeable defense lawyer, many first-time clients avoid jail through civil compromises, pretrial diversion, or plea reductions to minor infractions that protect their record from criminal charges.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished defense team has overturned hundreds of hit and run allegations in Colton. Here are proven defense strategies:

• Lack of Knowledge – You didn’t realize a collision occurred. Minor bumps, especially with large vehicles, are often undetectable. We bring in accident-reconstruction experts and use vehicle data to show you couldn’t have known.
• No Property Damage – VC 20002 only applies when actual damage occurs. If paint transfer was old or damage exaggerated, our evidence can defeat the prosecution’s claim.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes you stopped, but the other party left or refused details. Cell phone records and dash cam footage can prove you fulfilled your legal duties.
• Unable to Locate Owner – The law allows leaving a note with your contact information if no one is present. A detailed message left at the scene is fully compliant with the statute.
• Emergency Departure – Sudden health issues, threats to your safety, or police orders can legally justify a temporary departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Wrong license plates, stolen vehicles, or mix-ups with ride-shares often result in false accusations. We subpoena surveillance footage and dispatch logs to establish the truth.
• Unlawful Police Conduct – If law enforcement violated your rights by coercing a statement or conducting an improper stop, we seek to suppress all tainted evidence, often dismantling the case entirely.

Every defense is specifically tailored to your situation—never generic. Our legal team leverages your clean record, insurance coverage, and willingness to resolve damages, often persuading prosecutors to negotiate or dismiss charges.

Contact Our Colton Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better the chance to secure dash cam videos, witnesses, or receipts that may clear your name. Our Colton hit and run attorneys offer a free immediate consultation at (909) 639-2551. When you contact us, we will:

• Scrutinize police and accident reports for errors or weak spots.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to explore a civil settlement.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and judges to convert the case to an infraction with no DMV points.
• Push for outright dismissal based on lack of evidence or procedural mistakes.

We have extensive experience defending both misdemeanor VC 20002 and felony VC 20001 hit and run cases. Whether your matter involves a minor scrape or a more serious accident, our team brings in-depth knowledge of California traffic laws, insurance claims, and criminal procedure to defend your reputation, your finances, and your future.

Don’t let a hit and run charge ruin your life. Call our office now at (909) 639-2551, set up a free consultation, and let an aggressive Colton hit and run lawyer guide you toward the best possible outcome. With us on your side, you can face the process with confidence and peace of mind.

Ready to speak with a Colton hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online.