Hit and Run Lawyer in Monterey Park

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

An unexpected fender-bender on Atlantic Boulevard, a parking lot scrape near Monterey Park Marketplace, or a late-night accident on the 60 freeway can quickly spiral if you panic and leave the scene. Prosecutors in Monterey Park and throughout Los Angeles County take hit-and-run allegations seriously—even for minor property damage and no reported injuries. The moment law enforcement leaves a card on your windshield or knocks at your door, you need an experienced hit-and-run lawyer who knows local court procedures, understands California Vehicle Code § 20002, and has a proven track record of convincing courts to reduce or dismiss charges. My Rights Law stands ready to help you minimize the consequences and protect your future in Monterey Park.

Ready to speak with a Monterey Park hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt each “element of the crime” under CALCRIM 2150:

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

Our seasoned attorneys challenge every point—questioning whether you truly knew a collision happened, if you made an honest effort to exchange information, and whether law enforcement jumped to conclusions without proper evidence.

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 restitution. In Monterey Park, the District Attorney routinely demands full repayment of towing and repair expenses on top of criminal penalties.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

  • VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): None – property damage only
  • VC 20001 (Felony): Any bodily harm 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 bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction carries the following consequences:

  • Up to six months in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility or local jail.
  • A fine up to $1,000, plus substantial penalty assessments.
  • Three years of informal probation—often with required community service, DUI classes if intoxication is suspected, and SR-22 insurance filings.
  • Civil liability for all property damage and towing expenses.
  • Two DMV points, triggering higher insurance premiums and the possibility of license suspension for those with prior issues.

When you work with an experienced Monterey Park defense lawyer, many first-time offenders avoid jail altogether through civil compromise, diversion, or a negotiated reduction to a “parking lot courtesy” infraction that spares your record from criminal harm.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished defense team at My Rights Law has helped countless clients overcome hit-and-run accusations in Monterey Park using these proven legal strategies:

  • Lack of Knowledge – You honestly did not realize there was contact. Even a slight bump on a large SUV may go unnoticed. We use accident reconstruction and expert analysis to show reasonable ignorance.
  • No Property Damage – If nothing was actually harmed, VC 20002 does not apply. Photos, estimates, and third-party evaluations can refute exaggerated or pre-existing claims.
  • Stopped and Exchanged Information – You may have pulled over, but the other driver sped away or refused to talk. Phone records, dash-cam evidence, and witnesses help prove you fulfilled your legal duty.
  • Unable to Locate Owner – If you left a note with your contact info on an unattended vehicle or property, you complied with the law.
  • Emergency Justified Leaving – Medical emergencies, threats to your safety, or following instructions from law enforcement can justify temporary departure.
  • Mistaken Identity – Wrong plates, stolen vehicles, or rideshare confusion can implicate the wrong person. We subpoena records and footage to establish your innocence.
  • Unlawful Stop or Statement – If officers coerced an admission or made an improper detention, we move to suppress any statements, often crippling the case against you.

Every defense is individualized—no one-size-fits-all approach. We emphasize your clean history, valid insurance, and willingness to make amends, turning prosecutors into negotiating partners rather than adversaries.

Contact Our Monterey Park Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is of the essence when facing a hit and run charge. Vital dash-cam footage, receipts, or witnesses can quickly disappear, making it harder to build a solid defense. At My Rights Law, our Monterey Park team offers an immediate free consultation by phone at (213) 577-1988. We will:

  • Analyze police reports for errors and inconsistencies.
  • Contact the other party to seek a civil compromise whenever possible.
  • Negotiate to have your charges reduced to an infraction with no points on your record.
  • Fight for a dismissal if you are factually innocent or your rights were violated.

Our attorneys are well-versed in both misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run cases, from minor parking lot mishaps to complex multi-vehicle accidents. We draw upon deep knowledge of DMV processes, insurance claims, and criminal defense to safeguard your license, finances, and reputation.

Don’t risk your future with a criminal conviction. Call our Monterey Park office now at (213) 577-1988 to schedule your free consultation. With the right lawyer on your side, you can move from fear to action and take the first step toward putting this incident behind you.

Ready to speak with a Monterey Park hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online.