Hollywood Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A sudden accident on Sunset Boulevard, a minor scrape outside the Hollywood & Highland Center, or a late-night fender-bender along Vine Street can instantly upend your life if fear causes you to leave the scene. Prosecutors in Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles County aggressively file hit and run charges—even when damages are minimal and there are no injuries reported. From the moment you receive a notice from law enforcement or a call from an investigator, you need a focused hit and run attorney who knows the ins and outs of the Hollywood courthouse, understands the complexities of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and can present compelling defenses that make a real difference. My Rights Law stands ready to defend your rights and minimize the impact of a hit and run accusation on your life.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, every “element of the crime” outlined in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in a crash that resulted in damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about the damage caused.
• You willfully failed to stop, exchange identifying information, or render assistance as required by law.

An experienced defense lawyer challenges each element—questioning if you were truly aware contact was made, if you made genuine efforts to share your details, or if police assumed guilt without sufficient 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.”

Failing to comply with these requirements can result in up to six months in the county jail, a $1,000 fine, and an order to pay restitution. In Hollywood, prosecutors routinely seek full repayment of repair and towing expenses as part of the penalty.

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): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): 4 years in state prison (with enhancements for serious injury)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Cost of repairs to property
• VC 20001 (Felony): Medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Up to six months in the Hollywood substation or central county jail.
• Fines up to $1,000, not including additional penalty assessments.
• Up to three years of informal probation, which may include community service, substance abuse education if applicable, and proof of SR-22 insurance coverage.
• Responsibility for paying for all property damage and any related towing costs.
• Assignment of two points to your DMV record, often resulting in increased insurance premiums and the risk of license suspension for those with prior issues.

With the right legal advocate, many first-time offenders avoid jail through alternative resolutions like civil compromise, diversion programs, or plea bargains that reduce or eliminate criminal consequences altogether.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our dedicated legal defense team at My Rights Law has successfully fought and resolved hundreds of hit and run accusations in Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area. Here are the strategies we use to challenge these charges:

• Lack of Knowledge – Sometimes a minor bump is undetectable from inside the car, especially on busy streets. We employ accident reconstructionists and technical data to show you had no reason to know a collision occurred.
• No Actual Property Damage – VC 20002 only applies when there is real, provable damage. If any alleged harm was already there or exaggerated, we use photos and expert reports to counter the claims.
• Stopped and Shared Information – Often, drivers do stop but the other party leaves first. We use phone records, dash-cam evidence, and witness statements to prove your compliance.
• Could Not Find the Owner – The law allows for leaving a note with your contact information when the owner is absent. Documenting your effort satisfies this requirement.
• Valid Reason for Leaving – If a medical emergency, threat to safety, or law enforcement direction made you leave the scene, this can be a complete defense.
• Wrong Person Accused – Misidentification due to similar cars, misread license plates, or issues with rental/ride-share vehicles are common. We investigate thoroughly to establish the truth.
• Unlawful Police Action – Any statement or confession obtained in violation of your rights, such as lack of Miranda warning or improper stop, can be suppressed and the case dismissed.

We customize each defense to the unique facts of your case. Our attorneys highlight your clean record, insurance status, and willingness to make things right, all in service of achieving the best possible outcome—even turning a prosecutor into a problem solver rather than an adversary.

Contact Our Hollywood Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you take action, the greater your chances of preserving crucial evidence such as dash-cam recordings, eyewitness testimony, and accurate repair records. Our Hollywood hit and run defense lawyers offer a free and confidential case review by phone at (424) 421-2330. We will:

• Analyze police and accident reports for inconsistencies.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to explore a civil compromise.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss charges where appropriate.
• Fight for dismissal based on lack of evidence or procedural violations.

Our team is well-versed in both misdemeanor and felony hit and run laws, handling everything from minor parking-lot accidents to complex, multi-car incidents. With a deep understanding of the DMV, insurance, and criminal justice system, we’re here to protect your license, your finances, and your reputation.

Don’t risk your future by waiting. Call (424) 421-2330 today to arrange a free consultation. A single conversation with an experienced Hollywood hit and run lawyer can transform uncertainty into a practical, effective plan—helping you move forward with confidence.