Hit and Run Lawyer in Oxnard

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

A minor accident at the Channel Islands Harbor, a parking lot bump outside the Esplanade Shopping Center, or a late-night incident on Oxnard Boulevard can change your life instantly if you panic and leave the scene. Prosecutors in Oxnard and throughout Ventura County aggressively pursue hit and run charges, even for minor property damage or when no injuries are reported. The moment a police officer contacts you or leaves a notice on your vehicle, you need a dedicated hit and run attorney who knows Oxnard’s court process, is familiar with the intricacies of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and can use defenses that genuinely persuade prosecutors and judges to drop or minimize your case. With My Rights Law, you have an advocate who knows how to get results and protect your reputation in the local community.

Ready to speak with a Oxnard hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, all “elements of the crime” as listed in CALCRIM 2150:

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

A seasoned defense lawyer can challenge each of these points, raising doubt about your knowledge of any damage, whether you made an honest effort to exchange details, and whether law enforcement may have made assumptions without proper 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.”

Not following these requirements can result in up to six months in Ventura County Jail, a $1,000 fine, and restitution. In Oxnard, prosecutors frequently demand full repayment of towing and repair expenses as part of the plea process.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Applies when there’s only property damage
• VC 20001 (Felony): Applies if anyone is injured or killed

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Up to 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): Up to 4 years in state prison, more if the injuries are severe

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Oxnard may bring the following penalties:

• Up to six months in Ventura County Jail.
• A fine of up to $1,000, plus added penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, which may include community service, court-ordered classes, and proof of SR-22 insurance if impairment was suspected.
• Obligation to pay for all property damages, towing, and storage fees.
• Two points on your DMV record, which can trigger insurance rate increases and possible license suspension if you have prior violations.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, many first-time offenders in Oxnard are able to avoid jail through alternatives like civil compromise, diversion programs, or a plea to a non-criminal infraction that protects your record from long-term harm.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished legal defense team has successfully resolved hundreds of hit and run cases in Oxnard by employing proven strategies:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely did not realize any impact occurred. Minor contact with another car or object can be undetectable, especially in large or commercial vehicles. We use accident reconstruction and technical analysis to demonstrate reasonable ignorance.
• No Property Damage – The law applies only if something was actually damaged. If marks were old or claims exaggerated, photos and expert opinions can undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – You made a good faith effort to stop, but the other driver left or refused to cooperate. Cell records and camera evidence can show you complied with your legal duties.
• Unable to Locate Owner – If the property was unattended, leaving a clear note with your information is enough. We prove you left valid contact details in accordance with the law.
• Emergency Justified Departure – Leaving the scene temporarily may be excused for medical emergencies, safety concerns, or at the direction of police. We gather documentation to support your actions.
• Mistaken Identity – Mistakes with license plates, vehicle identification, or reports of stolen vehicles are common. We investigate every angle, using surveillance and official logs to clear your name.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If your rights were violated during the investigation or any confession was obtained unlawfully, we move to suppress evidence and statements, often leading to dropped or reduced charges.

Each case is unique. Our attorneys take the time to learn your background, highlight your insurance coverage and willingness to resolve matters, and turn prosecutors into partners for a fair solution. We never use cookie-cutter defenses—everything is tailored for your best result.

Contact Our Oxnard Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Every day you delay, valuable evidence like dash-cam recordings, eyewitnesses, and repair invoices can disappear. Our Oxnard-based hit and run attorneys provide immediate, confidential consultations—call us now at (805) 263-1499. We will:

• Scrutinize the arrest records and police reports for weaknesses.
• Contact any alleged victims to negotiate a civil compromise or repayment plan.
• Seek to have your charges reduced to a non-criminal infraction with no DMV points.
• Fight for dismissal based on insufficient evidence or violations of your constitutional rights.

We are highly experienced with both misdemeanor VC 20002 and felony VC 20001 cases. Whether your case involves a minor dent or a serious multi-vehicle incident, our legal team understands the DMV process, insurance claims, and criminal defense tactics needed to safeguard your license, finances, and future.

Don’t risk your clean record or your freedom. Call our office now at (805) 263-1499, schedule a free case evaluation, and let an aggressive Oxnard hit and run attorney help you take control of your case. Your peace of mind is just a call away—one consultation can make all the difference in your outcome.

Ready to speak with a Oxnard hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online.