Hit and Run Lawyer in Yorba Linda

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

A sudden tap in the Stater Bros. parking lot, a scrape leaving Yorba Linda Boulevard, or a late-night fender-bender on Imperial Highway can change everything if panic leads you to drive away. Prosecutors in Yorba Linda and across Orange County are aggressive in filing hit-and-run charges—even if the damage is minor and no injuries are reported. The moment an officer knocks on your door or you receive a court notice, you need a focused hit-and-run lawyer who understands how local judges interpret the law, how to navigate California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the defenses that genuinely work to reduce or dismiss your case. My Rights Law stands ready to defend you every step of the way.

Ready to speak with a Yorba Linda hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict, the prosecutor must prove each of these “elements of the crime” listed in CALCRIM 2150 beyond a reasonable doubt:

• You were involved in an accident causing damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
• You knew, or should have reasonably known, about this damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your identifying information, and offer assistance when required.

A knowledgeable defense attorney will challenge whether you truly knew an accident occurred, whether you made a genuine effort to exchange details, and whether law enforcement made faulty assumptions about what happened.

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 follow these steps can mean up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and court-ordered restitution. In Yorba Linda, the District Attorney frequently pushes for full reimbursement of all related towing and repair expenses.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Property damage only, no injuries.
• VC 20001 (Felony): Involves bodily injury or death.

Maximum Custody

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

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Payment for property repairs
• VC 20001 (Felony): Covers medical costs, lost income, pain, and suffering

Probation

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Informal, 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 Yorba Linda can bring serious consequences, including:

• Up to six months in the West Justice Center or county jail.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus additional court-imposed penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, often with community service, required classes if substance use was suspected, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Civil liability for all property losses and towing fees related to the accident.
• Two DMV points, often leading to increased insurance premiums and possible license suspension if you have a prior record.

With the right defense strategy, many first-time defendants in Yorba Linda avoid jail by negotiating a civil compromise, enrolling in diversion, or resolving the case with a “parking lot courtesy” outcome that spares them from a criminal conviction.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of hit-and-run cases in Yorba Linda using strategies tailored to each situation, such as:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely didn’t realize your vehicle made contact. For example, light bumps on large SUVs or trucks can go unnoticed. We use accident experts and vehicle data to support your claim.
• No Actual Damage – The law only applies if property is actually damaged. If the other driver exaggerates their claim, or the damage was already present, our investigation can expose the truth.
• Attempted to Exchange Information – Sometimes, you stop but the other driver leaves first. Cell-phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements can prove you acted in good faith.
• Unable to Locate Property Owner – If you hit unattended property, leaving a clear note with your contact information fulfills your duty under the statute.
• Emergency Departure – A legitimate emergency, threat to your safety, or police instruction can justify a brief departure from the scene.
• Wrong Identity – Errors in reading license plates, stolen vehicles, or mistaken identity during rideshares are common. We subpoena video evidence and logs to uncover the facts.
• Illegal Police Actions – If officers pressured you into a statement without reading your rights or detained you improperly, we can move to suppress evidence and challenge the case.

Every case receives an individualized approach—never a one-size-fits-all solution. We focus on your clean record, insurance coverage, and willingness to make amends, aiming to persuade the prosecution to settle favorably or even drop the case altogether.

Contact Our Yorba Linda Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Acting quickly is critical—the more time passes, the harder it is to secure surveillance footage, gather witness statements, or obtain repair records that could clear your name. Our Yorba Linda hit-and-run attorneys offer a free and confidential consultation by phone at (657) 378-7278. We will:

• Analyze police and accident reports for inconsistencies or mistakes.
• Contact the other party to negotiate a possible civil compromise.
• Work with the court to reduce charges or seek a no-point infraction.
• Pursue dismissal for factual innocence or violations of your constitutional rights.

We have substantial experience handling both misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run cases. Whether your situation involves a minor scrape or a multi-vehicle collision, our legal team understands the ins and outs of DMV regulations, insurance claims, and criminal defense. We work tirelessly to protect your license, financial future, and reputation.

Don’t risk your future by going it alone. Call (657) 378-7278 for a free consultation and let an aggressive hit-and-run attorney at My Rights Law fight for the best possible outcome. One call can replace anxiety with a clear plan and put you back in control.

Ready to speak with a Yorba Linda hit and run lawyer? Contact us now at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online.