Hit and Run Lawyer in Placentia

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

A sudden accident on Yorba Linda Boulevard, a bump in the parking lot near Tri-City Park, or an unexpected collision on a Placentia side street can spiral out of control if you panic and leave the scene. Law enforcement in Placentia and throughout Orange County prosecutes hit and run offenses vigorously, regardless of whether the property damage is minor or there are no injuries. If a police officer shows up at your door or leaves a card on your windshield, you need a seasoned hit and run attorney who knows the local court procedures, the specifics of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the arguments that truly influence prosecutors and judges to reduce or dismiss charges. My Rights Law is committed to fighting for your rights and minimizing the consequences that a hit and run case can have on your record and your life.

Ready to speak with a Placentia hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict you, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following key “elements of the crime” under 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, that such damage occurred.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your identifying information, or render assistance when necessary.

A strong attorney challenges every element, from whether you were even aware a collision occurred to whether you made a genuine attempt to exchange information, or if law enforcement rushed to judgment without the facts.

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 a requirement to pay restitution. In Placentia, the District Attorney frequently seeks full repayment for repair and towing 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 (more for serious injuries)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Property repair costs
• VC 20001 (Felony): Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Placentia can result in serious penalties:

• Up to six months in the Orange County Jail.
• A fine of up to $1,000, plus mandatory court assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, which may include community service, substance abuse classes if impairment was suspected, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Responsibility for all property damages and towing charges.
• Two DMV points—potentially causing insurance premiums to spike or a license suspension for repeat offenders.

However, with a skilled defense attorney on your side, many first-time offenders avoid jail through a civil compromise, diversion programs, or negotiating a “parking lot courtesy” infraction that removes the criminal charges altogether.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished legal team at My Rights Law has successfully defended numerous clients facing hit and run allegations in Placentia and the surrounding communities. Here are proven strategies we use to challenge these cases:

• Lack of Knowledge – You honestly did not realize your vehicle made contact. Minor scrapes to large vehicles can go completely unnoticed by the driver. Our experts use accident reconstruction and vehicle data to establish reasonable lack of awareness.
• No Actual Damage – The law only applies if there was actual property damage. We scrutinize photos, pre-existing damage, and repair invoices to reveal any exaggeration or fabrication by the other party.
• Stopped and Provided Information – Many drivers do stop, but if the other party flees or refuses to exchange details, we use cell records and video evidence to prove you fulfilled your legal duty.
• Owner Could Not Be Located – The statute allows for leaving your contact info on unattended property. If you left a clear, written note, you complied with the law.
• Emergency Situation – If a medical emergency, threat to your safety, or police order caused you to leave, we present evidence justifying your actions.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, stolen vehicles, or rideshare confusion can easily lead to wrongful accusations. We investigate dispatch logs and surveillance footage to clear your name.
• Illegal Detention or Statement – If law enforcement violated your rights or coerced a confession, we file motions to suppress that evidence and protect your interests.

Every defense is custom-built to your situation. We leverage your clean driving record, valid insurance, and readiness to pay restitution to transform even the toughest cases into opportunities for dismissal or reduction.

Contact Our Placentia Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is crucial—delay makes it harder to gather dash-cam videos, eyewitness statements, or repair documents that can prove your innocence. Our Placentia hit and run team offers a free, immediate consultation by phone at (657) 378-7278. We will:

• Scrutinize police and accident reports for errors.
• Communicate with the alleged victim to negotiate a civil settlement.
• Advocate in court for a no-point infraction or case dismissal.
• File for dismissal based on your innocence or violations of your legal rights.

Our experience spans every type of hit and run—from minor parking lot accidents to complicated multi-vehicle collisions. My Rights Law attorneys combine knowledge of local court rules, DMV processes, and insurance requirements to protect your license, finances, and future.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call us now at (657) 378-7278 for your free case evaluation and let an aggressive Placentia hit and run lawyer craft your best defense. A single consultation can turn panic into a solid plan—and get you back on the road with confidence.

Ready to speak with a Placentia hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online.