Hit and Run Lawyer in Palm Springs

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

A minor accident on Palm Canyon Drive, a scrape in a shopping center parking lot, or a late-night collision near downtown Palm Springs can instantly disrupt your entire life—especially if you leave the scene out of fear or confusion. Prosecutors in Palm Springs and across Riverside County aggressively pursue hit-and-run charges, even when the incident caused minimal damage and there were no injuries. The moment you find a notice from the police or receive a call from law enforcement, you need a dedicated hit-and-run attorney who knows local courtroom procedures, the ins and outs of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the real defenses that get charges dropped or reduced. My Rights Law stands ready to guide you through every step.

Ready to speak with a Palm Springs hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following “elements of the crime” under CALCRIM 2150:

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

An experienced attorney challenges each of these elements—questioning whether you truly knew about the contact, whether you made a legitimate effort to exchange information, and whether the investigating officer may have acted on faulty assumptions or rushed 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 comply may result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and restitution for all losses. In Palm Springs, prosecutors almost always demand full repayment for towing, repairs, and any additional damages.

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 (even more for severe injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A conviction for misdemeanor hit and run in Palm Springs can lead to:

• Up to six months in the Indio Jail or local detention facility.
• A fine of up to $1,000, with additional penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, possibly including community service, required classes if alcohol was suspected, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Civil liability for all property losses, towing, and storage fees.
• Two DMV points, which may raise insurance rates and put your license at risk of suspension if your record isn’t spotless.

When you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, many first-time offenders avoid jail by negotiating a civil compromise, enrolling in diversion programs, or securing a “parking lot courtesy” resolution that avoids a criminal conviction altogether.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our defense team at My Rights Law has successfully resolved hundreds of hit-and-run cases across Palm Springs using strategies tailored to the facts. Here’s what works:

• Lack of Knowledge – You didn’t realize your vehicle made contact. Sometimes a gentle nudge on a high bumper or trailer hitch creates no sound or sensation inside the car. We use experts and technical evidence to demonstrate your honest lack of awareness.
• No Actual Damage – Charges only stick if property was truly harmed. Photos, previous damage records, or inflated claims can unravel the prosecution’s case.
• Stopped and Exchanged Info – Sometimes the other party left before you could share details. We use cellphone records, dash-cam data, and witness statements to prove your effort to comply.
• Could Not Locate Owner – The law allows you to leave a visible note if you can’t find the owner. A written message with your contact info is legally sufficient.
• Emergency or Safety Justification – Medical emergencies, personal safety threats, or instructions from a peace officer can justify temporarily leaving the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Mistakes with license plates, similar-looking vehicles, or stolen cars can result in wrongful accusations. We obtain records and surveillance to clear up any mix-ups.
• Unlawful Police Procedure – If police coerced a confession or conducted an illegal stop, we file motions to suppress evidence, often weakening or destroying the case.

Every defense is custom-crafted. We emphasize your clean background, active insurance, and willingness to address damages, often persuading prosecutors to dismiss or seriously reduce the charges.

Contact Our Palm Springs Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is critical—waiting can make it harder to recover dash-cam video, eyewitness accounts, or repair records that prove your innocence. Our Palm Springs hit-and-run attorneys offer a fast, free consultation—just call (760) 340-7190. We will:

• Analyze every detail in the police report for errors or gaps.
• Contact the reported victim to negotiate a civil compromise if appropriate.
• Work with the courts to reduce charges or seek a no-point resolution.
• Fight for dismissal based on lack of evidence or violations of your rights.

We have extensive experience with both misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run charges in the Palm Springs area. Whether your case involves a minor fender-bender or a more complex situation, our legal team combines expertise in DMV regulations, insurance, and criminal law to protect your license, finances, and reputation.

Don’t let a momentary lapse become a lifelong problem. Call our office at (760) 340-7190 for a no-cost, confidential consultation. Our aggressive Palm Springs hit-and-run lawyers are ready to build the strongest possible defense for you—so you can move forward with confidence.

Ready to speak with a Palm Springs hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online.