Hit and Run Lawyer in San Pedro

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

A minor accident on Gaffey Street, a door ding at Ports O’ Call Village, or a late-night fender-bender near Pacific Avenue can rapidly escalate if you leave the scene out of fear or confusion. San Pedro prosecutors, like those across Los Angeles County, aggressively pursue hit-and-run charges even when the incident involves only minor property damage and no reported injuries. From the moment law enforcement contacts you, you need a skilled hit-and-run lawyer who knows the ins and outs of local courts, the unique elements of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and which legal strategies can lead to your case being reduced or dismissed. My Rights Law will stand by your side, analyze every detail, and fight to secure the best outcome possible for your situation in San Pedro.

Ready to speak with a San Pedro hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove—beyond a reasonable doubt—specific “elements of the crime” detailed in CALCRIM 2150:

• That you were involved in an accident resulting in damage to someone else’s property or vehicle.
• That you knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• That you willfully failed to stop, exchange identifying information, or render assistance as required by law.

An effective defense attorney will challenge each element, questioning whether you were truly aware of any impact, whether you made a reasonable attempt to provide your information, and whether law enforcement made assumptions that cannot be supported in court.

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 follow these requirements can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and an order to pay restitution. In San Pedro, prosecutors routinely demand complete repayment for towing and repair expenses as part of any plea arrangement or sentence.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): No injuries – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any injury or fatality involved

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): Up to 4 years in state prison (longer for serious injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in San Pedro may result in:

• Up to six months in the local detention facility.
• A fine as high as $1,000, with significant penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, possibly including community service, substance abuse classes if impairment is suspected, and SR-22 proof of insurance filings.
• Civil liability for all damages and towing charges related to the accident.
• Two points on your DMV record, likely triggering increased insurance rates and possible license suspension if you have prior violations.

With the right legal guidance, many first-time defendants can avoid jail time through a civil compromise, pretrial diversion, or a reduction of charges to a non-criminal infraction, keeping your record clean and your future on track.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our seasoned legal team at My Rights Law has overturned countless hit-and-run allegations in San Pedro using proven defense strategies, including:

• Lack of Knowledge – You had no idea any contact occurred. Minor bumps or contact with large vehicles often go unnoticed. Our attorneys use accident reconstruction and vehicle data to establish reasonable ignorance.
• No Actual Property Damage – VC 20002 is only relevant if real damage happened. We examine pre-existing marks, exaggerated claims, and rely on photo and shop reports to contest the prosecution.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – If you pulled over but the other driver left, cell phone records and dashcam evidence can prove you tried to comply with the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – Leaving a note with your information on unattended property meets statutory requirements. Documentation of your effort can make the difference.
• Emergency Justified Leaving – Medical issues, threats to safety, or direction from police may excuse a brief departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Clerical errors, vehicle misidentification, or incidents involving ride-share cars often result in wrongful accusations. We leverage investigative resources to uncover the truth.
• Illegal Police Actions – If law enforcement ignored your Miranda rights or performed an unlawful stop, we move to exclude those statements, often resulting in case dismissal.

Every defense is custom-crafted for your unique facts—never cookie-cutter. Our lawyers emphasize your clean driving history, valid insurance, and willingness to cooperate, persuading even the toughest prosecutors to reconsider your case.

Contact Our San Pedro Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Every hour you wait can mean losing access to vital dash-cam footage, independent witnesses, or repair documentation that could help clear your name. The San Pedro hit-and-run attorneys at My Rights Law offer free consultations by phone at (562) 337-3990. When you contact us, we will:

• Review the police and accident reports for weaknesses or inconsistencies.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to pursue a civil compromise or negotiated settlement.
• Advocate in court to reduce charges to a no-point infraction whenever possible.
• Fight for dismissal based on factual innocence or rights violations.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of misdemeanor VC 20002 cases as well as more serious VC 20001 injury charges. Whether you’re facing allegations involving a minor scrape or a complex multi-car accident, we apply our extensive knowledge of DMV procedures, insurance disputes, and criminal defense to protect your license, finances, and reputation.

Do not risk your future on chance. Call us today at (562) 337-3990, book a free confidential consultation, and let a determined hit-and-run lawyer build the strongest defense for your case. That one call could make the difference between stress and peace of mind—let us help you regain control.

Ready to speak with a San Pedro hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online.