Hit and Run Lawyer in Temecula

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

A sudden fender-bender on Rancho California Road, a minor scrape in a crowded parking lot at Promenade Temecula, or a nighttime accident on I-15 can change your entire world if you panic and leave the scene. Prosecutors in Temecula and throughout Riverside County are notoriously aggressive about charging hit-and-run, even for minor property damage and no reported injuries. If you receive a notice from the police or find an officer at your door, you need a Temecula hit-and-run lawyer who knows local courthouse procedures, the ins and outs of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and what defenses actually work to get your case dismissed or your penalties reduced.

Ready to speak with a Temecula hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (951) 412-3018 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To obtain a conviction, prosecutors must establish—beyond a reasonable doubt—the following elements set out in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in a crash that caused damage to another person’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, that damage had occurred.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your information, or offer assistance as required by law.

A knowledgeable lawyer will challenge each element, questioning whether you truly realized there was contact, whether you made efforts to share information, and whether law enforcement made unsupported assumptions about your intentions.

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 restitution order. In Temecula, prosecutors routinely demand full payment of all towing and repair bills before considering any leniency or reduction in charges.

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 (or more if major injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Temecula can result in:

• Up to six months in the Southwest Detention Center.
• Fines up to $1,000, not including court penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, which may include community service, substance abuse programs if alcohol or drugs were suspected, and SR-22 insurance requirements.
• Full civil liability for all property damages and towing costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, often triggering increased insurance premiums and possible license suspension for drivers with prior issues.

With the right criminal defense attorney making your case, many first-time drivers avoid jail altogether through civil compromise, court diversion, or a “parking lot courtesy” reduction that can eliminate criminal consequences.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced defense team at My Rights Law has overturned hundreds of hit-and-run accusations throughout Temecula. Here are the proven strategies we use:

• Lack of Knowledge – You never knew any impact occurred. Minor bumps—especially in trucks or SUVs—are easy to miss. We use accident reconstruction and technical data to show you had no reason to suspect a collision.
• No Property Damage – VC 20002 is only triggered if property was truly harmed. We often prove damage was pre-existing or exaggerated with expert photos and repair shop documentation.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – If you stopped but the other driver left or refused to communicate, we present cell phone data and dash cam footage proving your compliance with the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – When property is unattended, the law permits leaving a note with your contact details. A well-placed message is a complete legal defense.
• Emergency Departure – Medical emergencies, threats to your safety, or instructions from law enforcement can legally justify leaving temporarily.
• Mistaken Identity – Wrong license plates, stolen cars, or Uber/Lyft confusion can wrongly put you at the scene. We obtain dispatch records and surveillance to clear your name.
• Unlawful Stop or Admission – If police violated your rights or coerced a confession, we move to suppress evidence, often resulting in dismissal.

Every defense is customized to your situation—no one-size-fits-all approach. Our lawyers emphasize your clean history, proper insurance, and good faith efforts to resolve the issue, often persuading prosecutors to negotiate favorably.

Contact Our Temecula Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is critical—the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to find dash cam videos, witnesses, or repair receipts that might exonerate you. Our Temecula hit and run defense attorneys provide a free, immediate phone consultation at (951) 412-3018. Here’s how we help:

• Analyze your arrest and police reports for errors or inconsistencies.
• Contact the complainant to seek a civil compromise and possible charge dismissal.
• Negotiate with the court for a reduction to an infraction or no-point ticket.
• Pursue outright dismissal if you’re factually innocent or your rights were violated.

Our team has deep knowledge of both misdemeanor VC 20002 cases and serious VC 20001 felonies. Whether your matter is a minor scrape or a complex multi-car incident, we leverage our understanding of DMV regulations, insurance law, and criminal procedure to protect your license, finances, and future.

Don’t risk your record or freedom. Call us now at (951) 412-3018 for a free consultation. One conversation can turn panic into a smart legal strategy—and put you back in control.

Ready to speak with a Temecula hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (951) 412-3018 or contact us online.