Hit and Run Lawyer in Rosemead

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

A sudden fender-bender on Valley Boulevard, a minor collision outside The Shops at Montebello, or a late-night scrape on the I-10 can upend your life if you panic and drive away. Prosecutors in Rosemead and throughout Los Angeles County are quick to pursue hit-and-run charges, even when the property damage is minimal or nobody reports an injury. The instant a police officer shows up at your home or leaves a citation on your vehicle, it’s crucial to have a dedicated hit-and-run attorney who knows local court routines, the intricacies of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the defenses that can persuade a judge to reduce or drop your case. My Rights Law is here to defend your reputation and your future every step of the way.

Ready to speak with a Rosemead hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict, the prosecutor must be able to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, the following “elements of the crime” listed in CALCRIM 2150:

• Were involved in an accident that caused damage to someone else’s vehicle or property.
• Knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• Willfully failed to stop, provide identifying information, and offer assistance when required.

An experienced attorney will challenge each element, raising questions about your knowledge of the incident, efforts to exchange information, and whether officers made assumptions without full evidence.

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 is punishable by up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and mandatory restitution. In Rosemead, prosecutors frequently insist on full reimbursement for towing and repair expenses.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

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

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): 4 years in state prison (or more for severe injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction can result in:

• Up to six months in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
• A fine as high as $1,000, with additional penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, which can include community service, alcohol or drug counseling if suspected, and SR-22 insurance requirements.
• Civil liability for all repair and towing costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, which could cause your insurance premiums to rise and your license to be suspended if your record is already at risk.

With the right criminal defense strategy, many first-time offenders avoid jail time through negotiated civil settlements, pre-trial diversion, or a “parking lot courtesy” reduction that eliminates criminal consequences altogether.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced legal defense team has successfully defended hundreds of hit-and-run cases in Rosemead. These are the proven defense strategies:

• Lack of Knowledge – You were unaware any contact occurred. Often, a minor impact goes unnoticed in larger vehicles. We use expert analysis and data to prove reasonable lack of awareness.
• No Property Damage – California law applies only if damage actually took place. If marks were pre-existing or claims exaggerated, our investigation can discredit the case.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes you tried to exchange details, but the other party left first. Cell records and dashcam footage can confirm your compliance.
• Unable to Locate Owner – The law allows leaving contact details in a note when property is unattended. A clearly written note under a windshield wiper meets this requirement.
• Emergency Departure – Medical emergencies, safety concerns, or directions from law enforcement can justify a temporary departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Misread plates, stolen vehicles, or ride-share confusion can implicate the wrong person. We subpoena digital records and footage to reveal the truth.
• Unlawful Stop or Coercion – If police obtained statements without proper Miranda warnings or unlawfully detained you, we move to suppress those statements and weaken the prosecution.

We customize every defense to your unique circumstances—never a cookie-cutter approach. Our attorneys highlight your clean driving history, active insurance, and readiness to make things right, often persuading prosecutors to seek alternatives to criminal prosecution.

Contact Our Rosemead Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to gather dash-cam evidence, eyewitness accounts, or repair records that could clear your name. Our Rosemead hit and run attorneys offer a free consultation by phone at (626) 412-4840. During your call, we will:

• Scrutinize arrest reports for inconsistencies.
• Communicate with the alleged victim to negotiate a civil compromise.
• Work with the court to seek a reduced charge or no-point infraction.
• Push for dismissal on the grounds of factual innocence or violations of your legal rights.

We know the ins and outs of both misdemeanor VC 20002 charges and the more serious VC 20001 cases involving injury. Whether your situation involves a minor fender-bender or a complex accident scenario, our lawyers apply in-depth knowledge of DMV regulations, insurance issues, and the criminal justice system to defend your record and your future.

Don’t risk your future on chance. Call us today at (626) 412-4840, schedule your free consultation, and let a determined Rosemead hit and run lawyer create a solid defense. One conversation can turn anxiety into a clear strategy and help you take back control.

Ready to speak with a Rosemead hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online.