Inglewood Hit and Run Lawyer – California Vehicle Code § 20002

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

A minor collision on Crenshaw Boulevard, a parking mishap near the Forum, or an unexpected scrape on Century can quickly escalate if you leave the scene—intentionally or not. Prosecutors in Inglewood and throughout Los Angeles County aggressively pursue hit-and-run charges, even when damage is minimal and injuries aren’t reported. The moment law enforcement reaches out or you spot a notice left on your car, you need a focused hit-and-run defense attorney who understands the unique processes at Inglewood courts, California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the proven arguments that lead to charges being dropped or reduced. At My Rights Law, we fight to defend your future and protect your record, offering the clarity and guidance you need during a stressful time.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the specific “elements of the crime” set out in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in an accident causing damage to another person’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about the damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your information, and offer assistance as required by law.

An experienced lawyer will dissect each allegation, challenging whether you truly knew an accident happened, whether you made a good faith effort to exchange details, and whether law enforcement jumped to conclusions before hearing your side of the story.

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.”

Violating this law can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and mandatory restitution. Inglewood prosecutors frequently demand full reimbursement for towing and all repair costs as part of their case.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): No – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any physical injury or fatality

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 2 DMV points; possible suspension
• VC 20001 (Felony): Automatic suspension; possible revocation

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Covers property damage
• VC 20001 (Felony): Can include medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

If convicted of misdemeanor hit and run, you face:

• As much as six months in the Inglewood city jail or LA County jail.
• Fines up to $1,000, plus substantial penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, sometimes with community service, counseling, or SR-22 high-risk insurance requirements.
• Full liability for all property losses and towing costs.
• Two DMV points, which can spike your insurance rates and possibly trigger a license suspension if you already have violations.

With the right legal team, many first-time drivers avoid jail and a criminal record through civil compromise, diversion, or plea deals that reclassify the incident as a non-criminal infraction. Our priority is to minimize or erase the impact on your life.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced legal defense team has successfully contested countless hit-and-run allegations throughout Inglewood. Here are the defense strategies that make a difference:

• Lack of Knowledge – You honestly didn’t realize there was any contact. A minor tap on a large vehicle’s bumper might go unnoticed. We enlist accident reconstruction specialists and vehicle data to demonstrate reasonable ignorance.
• No Actual Damage – The law applies only if property was damaged. If alleged damage pre-existed or was exaggerated, we gather repair bills and photo evidence to undermine the prosecutor’s case.
• Stopped and Exchanged Info – You pulled over, but the other driver left first. Cell records and dash cam video can show you made a good-faith effort to comply with the law.
• Owner Could Not Be Found – If the other vehicle/property was unattended, the law allows you to leave a note with your details. Leaving clear contact information satisfies legal requirements.
• Emergency Excuse – If you left the scene due to a health emergency, threat, or at police direction, this may provide a complete defense.
• Mistaken Identity – Sometimes, officers or witnesses identify the wrong person due to license plate errors or mix-ups with rental or ride-share vehicles. We use records and surveillance footage to clarify the facts.
• Improper Police Conduct – If your rights were violated during the investigation, or if an admission was coerced without proper warnings, we challenge the evidence and seek suppression of key statements.

Every case is different. We take the time to understand your circumstances, highlight positive factors like your clean record and insurance, and build a defense that puts you in the best possible position with the court and the prosecutor.

Contact Our Inglewood Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you reach out, the better your chance of preserving evidence like security video, witness statements, or repair records that can clear you. Our Inglewood hit-and-run lawyers offer a free, confidential consultation at (213) 577-1988. Here’s what you can expect from us:

• We’ll thoroughly review the police reports to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• We’ll reach out to the alleged victim and, if appropriate, seek a civil settlement to resolve the case without a conviction.
• We negotiate aggressively with prosecutors and the court to reduce charges, pursue a dismissal, or secure a no-point outcome that protects your license.
• If your rights were violated, we move for full dismissal or suppression of illegally obtained evidence.

Whether you’re facing a first offense or a complex case involving multiple vehicles or injuries, My Rights Law has the experience to defend you at every stage—from DMV hearings to court trials. Protect your reputation, your driver’s license, and your future—call our office at (213) 577-1988 to schedule your free consultation today. The right legal guidance can make all the difference—let us help you get back on track.