Hit and Run Lawyer in Whittier

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

A minor crash on Whittier Boulevard, a quick bump in a parking lot at The Quad, or a late-night accident on the 605 can instantly upend your life if fear causes you to leave the scene. In Whittier and throughout Los Angeles County, prosecutors take an aggressive stance against hit-and-run cases, even when the damage is minimal and no one is injured. From the first moment law enforcement leaves a note on your door or contacts you, it’s crucial to have an experienced hit and run attorney who is deeply familiar with local courts, the details of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and proven defense strategies that can lead to reduced charges or outright dismissal. Our team at My Rights Law will work relentlessly to protect your future and minimize the consequences you face.

Ready to speak with a Whittier hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict you, a prosecutor must establish beyond a reasonable doubt the following “elements of the crime” as set forth in 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 identifying information, and offer assistance as required by law.

A skilled defense lawyer will challenge each element, questioning whether you were truly aware an accident happened, whether you made reasonable efforts to exchange information, and whether law enforcement jumped to conclusions without proper 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 may result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and a requirement to pay restitution. In Whittier, prosecutors frequently seek full reimbursement for towing and repair costs as part of the sentence.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): No injury – property damage only
• VC 20001 (Felony): Any bodily injury or death

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

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

• Up to six months in county jail, possibly at the Whittier jail facility.
• A fine as high as $1,000, in addition to substantial penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, often with community service, required classes if substance use is alleged, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Full financial responsibility for property damage and all towing costs.
• Two DMV points, which can trigger insurance rate increases and license suspension for drivers with previous violations.

However, with a dedicated criminal defense attorney advocating for you, many first-time offenders can avoid jail through options like civil compromise, pretrial diversion, or reductions to minor infractions that eliminate criminal records.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our legal defense team at My Rights Law has successfully fought against hundreds of hit-and-run accusations in Whittier. Here are some of the strategies that have proven effective:

• Lack of Knowledge – Sometimes, drivers are truly unaware an impact occurred, especially with large vehicles or minor contact. We use experts and vehicle data to show this was reasonable.
• No Actual Damage – The law only applies if property was truly damaged. If the claimed damage pre-dated the incident or is exaggerated, we provide proof through photos and body shop records.
• Attempted to Exchange Information – Drivers sometimes try to stop, but the other party leaves. We use digital evidence like call logs or dash-cam data to show good-faith effort.
• Unable to Locate Property Owner – If the other vehicle was unattended, leaving a clear note with your contact info complies with the law. We demonstrate compliance with statute requirements.
• Emergency Circumstances – Leaving the scene due to a medical emergency, immediate danger, or police direction can be justified. We document these situations fully.
• Mistaken Identity – Misread plates, stolen cars, or rideshare confusion often lead to wrongful accusations. We gather records and surveillance to clear your name.
• Unlawful Police Action – If law enforcement obtained evidence unlawfully or failed to properly advise you of your rights, we seek to have that evidence excluded and the case dismissed.

We never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Each case is personalized to your facts—emphasizing your clean record, valid insurance, and cooperation. These tactics frequently turn a prosecutor’s approach from adversarial to negotiable, giving you a real shot at a positive outcome.

Contact Our Whittier Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is crucial in a hit and run case. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing vital evidence like security footage, witness statements, or documentation that could exonerate you. Our Whittier legal team offers a free, confidential consultation by phone at (562) 203-0434. Here’s what we do for every client:

• Analyze police reports for flaws or inconsistencies.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to explore a civil compromise whenever possible.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to downgrade charges or seek no-point resolutions.
• Push for case dismissal based on insufficient evidence or your factual innocence.

We bring years of experience with both misdemeanor and felony hit and run cases in the Whittier area. From simple parking mishaps to complicated accidents with multiple vehicles, our attorneys are skilled in DMV advocacy, insurance subrogation, and criminal defense—helping protect your license, finances, and reputation.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call us now at (562) 203-0434 to set up your free consultation. Our strategic and aggressive approach can turn uncertainty into a plan, giving you the peace of mind to move forward with confidence.

Ready to speak with a Whittier hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online.