Hit and Run Lawyer in Tustin

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

A minor accident on Red Hill Avenue, a scratch in a crowded parking lot at The District, or a late-night fender-bender on the 5 Freeway can spiral into a life-changing crisis if you leave the scene in a moment of fear. Prosecutors in Tustin and throughout Orange County aggressively pursue hit-and-run cases, even where injuries are nonexistent and damage is minor. If a police officer reaches out to you or leaves a notice on your car, you need a skilled hit and run lawyer who understands local court procedures, the intricacies of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the proven legal strategies that can lead to a dismissal or a dramatic reduction in charges. At My Rights Law, we are prepared to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life, your driving record, and your future.

Ready to speak with a Tustin hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (714) 881-2207 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following “elements of the crime” under CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in an accident causing damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about the resulting damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your identification, and render assistance as required by law.

A knowledgeable attorney challenges each element—questioning whether you knew about the accident, whether you tried to exchange information, and whether the police made assumptions unsupported by 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.”

Failing to comply can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and restitution. In Tustin, prosecutors also pursue full repayment of repair and towing costs as part of your sentence.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any 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 (longer for serious injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 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, with stricter terms

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction may result in:

• Up to six months in the Orange County Jail.
• A fine as high as $1,000, in addition to significant penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, often with community service, required SR-22 insurance filings, and DUI education if impairment is suspected.
• Full civil liability for all property damage and towing fees.
• Two points added to your DMV record, increasing insurance premiums and risking license suspension for repeat violations.

However, with a proactive defense and the right legal arguments, many first-time clients can avoid jail through a civil compromise, a diversion program, or a reduced charge that prevents a criminal record and protects your driving privileges.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced legal defense team at My Rights Law has resolved countless hit and run cases throughout Tustin. We apply effective defense strategies tailored to each case, such as:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely did not realize an accident occurred. A subtle nudge on a trailer hitch or bumper may go unnoticed. We consult accident reconstruction specialists and review vehicle data to prove reasonable ignorance.
• No Property Damage – Section 20002 only applies if real damage exists. If the “damage” was pre-existing or exaggerated, photographic evidence and expert testimony can undermine the prosecution’s claim.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes, you stop but the other party leaves or refuses to cooperate. Phone records, dash-cam footage, and witness statements may show you did what the law requires.
• Unable to Locate Owner – If property was unattended, leaving a written note with your contact details is sufficient under the statute.
• Emergency Justified Departure – Leaving the scene is sometimes justified due to emergencies, threats, or instructions from authorities. We provide proof of these circumstances when appropriate.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors in license plate numbers, stolen vehicles, or rideshare confusion often lead to the wrong person being accused. Surveillance footage and data requests can help establish the truth.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If law enforcement violated your rights by detaining you illegally or eliciting a confession without proper Miranda warnings, we can seek to have this evidence excluded, weakening the case against you.

We customize every defense, highlighting factors such as your clean record, valid insurance, and willingness to make restitution. This strategic approach can turn a determined prosecutor into a negotiating partner—and protect your future.

Contact Our Tustin Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of gathering dash-cam evidence, eyewitness statements, or service receipts that support your version of events. Our Tustin hit and run attorneys offer an immediate, confidential consultation by phone at (714) 881-2207. When you call, we will:

• Review the police report for legal and factual weaknesses.
• Contact the other party to negotiate a civil settlement if appropriate.
• Advocate in court for charge reductions or dismissal based on evidence and legal defenses.
• Push for your case to be resolved as an infraction or through diversion, sparing you a criminal record.

We have years of experience defending drivers against both misdemeanor and felony hit and run accusations in Tustin. Whether your situation involves a scratched fender or a multi-vehicle crash, we leverage our knowledge of DMV regulations, insurance policies, and criminal law to safeguard your license, your finances, and your future.

Don’t take unnecessary risks with your reputation or your freedom. Call (714) 881-2207 for a free, no-obligation case review. Let us give you the strategic defense you need to regain peace of mind and put this stressful situation behind you.

Ready to speak with a Tustin hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (714) 881-2207 or contact us online.