Hit and Run Lawyer in Moreno Valley

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

A minor accident on Sunnymead Boulevard, a parking mishap near Moreno Valley Mall, or a late-night crash on the 60 Freeway can turn your life upside down if panic causes you to leave the scene. Prosecutors in Moreno Valley and across Riverside County are known for aggressively filing hit-and-run charges—even when damage is minimal or no injuries are reported. The moment you get a call from the police or find a citation on your windshield, you need an experienced hit-and-run attorney who knows the local court system, the details of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the real defenses that convince judges to reduce or dismiss charges. At My Rights Law, we know what it takes to minimize the impact of a hit and run accusation in Moreno Valley, and we fight tirelessly for our clients’ rights.

Ready to speak with a Moreno Valley hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (951) 900-3335 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict you of hit and run, the prosecution must prove the following “elements of the crime” as outlined in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in an accident that caused 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 identifying information, and render aid if necessary.

A seasoned attorney can challenge each of these points—questioning whether you actually knew an impact happened, whether you made an effort to exchange details, and whether law enforcement properly investigated the situation before charging you.

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, provide the name and current address of the driver and vehicle owner.”

Failure to follow these steps can lead to up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and restitution for any losses. In Moreno Valley, prosecutors almost always demand full repayment for towing and repair bills as part of the case.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

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

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 2 points; potential 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 conviction for misdemeanor hit and run can bring:

• Up to six months in the Robert Presley Detention Center.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus steep penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, possibly with community service, substance abuse classes if impairment is suspected, and SR-22 insurance requirements.
• Civil liability for all property damage and towing costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, causing higher insurance rates and possible license suspension if your driving record is shaky.

With a knowledgeable defense attorney on your side, many first-time defendants can avoid jail through civil compromise, diversion programs, or even a reduction to a non-criminal infraction that leaves your record clean.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of hit and run charges throughout Moreno Valley. Here are proven defense strategies:

• No Knowledge of the Accident – You genuinely did not realize any contact happened. Minor impacts—especially on large vehicles—can be completely unnoticeable. We consult accident reconstruction experts and analyze vehicle data to show reasonable doubt.
• No Actual Damage – The law only applies if property was damaged. If marks were old or claims are exaggerated, our team can debunk the prosecution’s case with photos and mechanic reports.
• You Attempted to Exchange Information – Sometimes you stop, but the other driver leaves, or circumstances prevent a proper exchange. Cell phone records and dash cam video can verify your efforts to comply with the law.
• Unable to Find Owner – If property was unattended, leaving a clear note with your information meets legal requirements. Evidence of your note can be crucial to your defense.
• Emergency or Danger – Medical emergencies, threats, or police instructions may justify temporarily leaving the scene. We present medical records or witness testimony as needed.
• Mistaken Identity – Misread plates, stolen vehicles, or ride-share confusion sometimes result in the wrong person being accused. We use surveillance, dispatch logs, and witness accounts to clear your name.
• Improper Police Procedures – If your rights were violated through an illegal stop or improper questioning, we fight to have any statements or evidence thrown out—weakening or destroying the prosecution’s case.

Every case is different. Our lawyers build custom defense strategies highlighting your clean record, insurance status, and willingness to resolve civil damages, turning even a tough case into an opportunity for dismissal or major reduction.

Contact Our Moreno Valley Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better your chances of gathering crucial dash-cam footage, witnesses, or receipts that could prove your innocence. Our Moreno Valley hit and run lawyers provide a free consultation by phone at (951) 900-3335. We will:

• Scrutinize police reports for weaknesses.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to negotiate a civil settlement.
• Advocate for your charges to be reduced to a non-criminal infraction.
• Pursue dismissal if you are factually innocent or your rights were violated.

We have extensive experience handling both misdemeanor VC 20002 cases and serious felony VC 20001 matters involving injury or death. Whether your situation involves a scraped bumper or a complex multi-car accident, our attorneys utilize their knowledge of DMV regulations, insurance law, and criminal procedure to protect your license, finances, and future.

Do not risk a permanent mark on your record. Call our office now at (951) 900-3335 to book your free consultation. Let our aggressive defense team restore your peace of mind and put you back in control. One call can turn confusion into confidence and start you on the path to resolution.

Ready to speak with a Moreno Valley hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (951) 900-3335 or contact us online.