Hit and Run Lawyer in Orange

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

A minor accident on Chapman Avenue, a parking-lot scrape near The Outlets at Orange, or a late-night fender-bender on the 55 Freeway can quickly spiral out of control if you panic and drive away from the scene. Prosecutors in Orange and throughout Orange County take hit-and-run cases seriously, aggressively pursuing charges even when only minor property damage is involved and no injuries are reported. The moment you find a note from law enforcement or get a knock on your door, you need a dedicated hit-and-run lawyer who understands local court procedures, the intricacies of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the proven strategies that persuade a judge or D.A. to dismiss or downgrade your case.

Ready to speak with a Orange hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (714) 881-2207 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must establish beyond a reasonable doubt the following “elements of the crime” as laid out in CALCRIM 2150:

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

A skilled defense lawyer attacks each of these points—challenging whether you actually knew about the contact, if you made a reasonable effort to exchange information, and whether the investigating officer jumped to unwarranted conclusions.

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.”

Failing to do so can lead to up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and restitution. In Orange, prosecutors almost always demand full repayment for towing and repair expenses as part of the penalty.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): No injury – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any bodily 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 (longer if serious injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Orange can result in:

• Up to six months in the Orange County Jail.
• A fine of up to $1,000, plus substantial penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, with possible community service, alcohol or drug classes if relevant, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Civil responsibility for all property damage, towing, and storage costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, which can cause increased insurance premiums and even a license suspension if your record isn’t clean.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, many first-time defendants avoid jail by resolving the case through civil compromise, diversion, or getting the charge reduced to a minor infraction, wiping out any criminal record.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished defense team at My Rights Law has helped hundreds of clients throughout Orange overcome hit and run allegations. Here’s how we fight back:

• Lack of Knowledge – You were unaware that any contact had occurred. Sometimes a gentle bump or a scrape on a trailer hitch is completely undetectable from inside the vehicle. We often work with accident reconstruction experts and data on vehicle vibration to demonstrate reasonable lack of awareness.
• No Actual Damage – Section 20002 applies only if actual property was damaged. If marks were already there or claims are exaggerated, photographic evidence and repair records can refute the prosecution.
• Stopped and Tried to Exchange Information – In some cases, you stopped but the other party sped off. Cell-phone records and dash-cam data can prove you acted appropriately under the law.
• Unable to Find the Owner – If property was unattended, the law allows you to leave a written note with your contact information. Leaving this under a windshield wiper fulfills your legal duty.
• Emergency Situation – Medical emergencies, threats to your safety, or following police instructions can justify leaving the scene temporarily.
• Mistaken Identity – Mistaken license plates, stolen vehicles, or confusion with ride-share drivers often result in charges against the wrong individual. We dig into dispatch logs and surveillance footage to clear your name.
• Improper Police Conduct – If law enforcement forced an admission without properly advising you of your rights or conducted an illegal stop, we file motions to suppress any resulting statements or evidence, which can result in the case being dismissed.

Every defense is specifically crafted to your circumstances—never just a template. Our team highlights your clean record, proof of insurance, and willingness to resolve the matter, often persuading prosecutors to negotiate instead of push for maximum penalties.

Contact Our Orange Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing crucial dash-cam footage, witness statements, and receipts that can prove your innocence. Our Orange hit-and-run attorneys are available now for a free, confidential consultation at (714) 881-2207. We will:

• Analyze your arrest paperwork for errors or inconsistencies.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to explore a civil settlement.
• Work with the court to try and downgrade your charges to a non-criminal infraction.
• Fight for a dismissal on the basis of mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, or violations of your constitutional rights.

Our firm has extensive experience handling both misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run cases under Vehicle Codes 20002 and 20001. Whether the incident involves a scratched door or a complex multi-car accident, our lawyers use an in-depth knowledge of California DMV rules, insurance claims, and criminal law to protect your license, finances, and reputation.

Don’t risk a lasting criminal record. Call our office today at (714) 881-2207, schedule your free consultation, and let a seasoned Orange hit and run lawyer help build a winning defense strategy. One phone call can change the direction of your case and bring you peace of mind.

Ready to speak with a Orange hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (714) 881-2207 or contact us online.