North Hollywood Hit and Run Lawyer

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

An unexpected fender-bender on Lankershim Boulevard, a parking lot scrape at the NoHo West complex, or a late-night accident on the 170 Freeway can send your world into chaos if you leave the scene in a moment of panic. Prosecutors in North Hollywood are quick to file hit-and-run charges—even when the incident involves minimal property damage and no reported injuries. If you find a notice from law enforcement on your windshield or get a visit from an officer, it’s vital to contact a focused hit and run lawyer who understands the procedures at the Van Nuys courthouse, the complexities of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the types of legal arguments that get cases dismissed or reduced. At My Rights Law, we know exactly how to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a hit and run accusation in North Hollywood.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To convict someone of hit and run, prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the specific “elements of the crime” set forth in CALCRIM 2150:

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

A knowledgeable attorney can challenge each part—questioning whether you truly knew there was contact, whether you made a reasonable effort to exchange details, and whether officers made incorrect assumptions during their investigation.

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 this statute can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and an order for restitution. In North Hollywood, the District Attorney will almost always seek full payment for towing and repair costs as part of your penalty.

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 (more for serious injuries)

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): Property repairs
• VC 20001 (Felony): Medical bills, 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 North Hollywood can result in:

• Up to six months in the West Valley Detention Center.
• A fine up to $1,000, plus substantial penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, often including community service, alcohol or drug counseling if impairment is suspected, and SR-22 insurance filing requirements.
• Liability for all related property damage and towing expenses.
• Two points added to your DMV record, which may increase your insurance rates and, with prior points, result in a license suspension.

With the right legal approach, first-time defendants often avoid jail time altogether through civil compromise, pretrial diversion, or a reduction to a non-criminal “parking lot courtesy” violation that avoids lasting consequences.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced North Hollywood defense attorneys have successfully challenged hundreds of hit and run allegations using targeted strategies that work:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely didn’t realize there was contact. Minor bumps to a truck or SUV can go unnoticed inside the vehicle. We use accident-reconstruction experts and technical evidence to show it was reasonable not to feel or hear any collision.
• No Actual Damage – California Vehicle Code § 20002 applies only if there is real property damage. If the alleged “damage” was already present or exaggerated, photographic evidence and repair records can undermine the prosecution’s claim.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes, you stopped but the other party left or refused to exchange details. Cellphone records and dash-cam video can prove you did your part.
• Unable to Locate Owner – The law allows you to leave a note with your contact info if the other party isn’t present. Placing a written notice under a windshield wiper meets this legal requirement.
• Emergency Departure – Medical emergencies, threats to your safety, or a police officer’s instruction can justify leaving the scene temporarily.
• Mistaken Identity – Mix-ups with license plates, stolen vehicles, or ride-share situations can wrongly identify you as the suspect. We subpoena records and video to prove mistaken identity.
• Illegal Police Stop or Statement – If police obtained an admission without Miranda warnings or made an unlawful stop, we file motions to suppress the evidence, often resulting in dismissal.

Our defense is never one-size-fits-all. We tailor every approach, highlighting your clean history, insurance coverage, and good faith efforts to compensate the other party. Prosecutors often respond positively to a proactive, well-documented defense.

Contact Our North Hollywood Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering dash-cam video, finding witnesses, or collecting repair estimates that support your innocence. Our dedicated North Hollywood hit and run team provides a free, confidential consultation by phone at 888-702-8882. We will:

• Analyze every detail in police and accident reports for weaknesses.
• Communicate with the alleged victim to seek a civil settlement.
• Negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction to an infraction or full dismissal where possible.
• Press for dropped charges if you are factually innocent or your rights were violated.

We have extensive experience handling both misdemeanor (VC 20002) and felony (VC 20001) hit and run cases in North Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles. Whether your case involves a dented fender or an accident with complex injuries, our attorneys know how to protect your license, your finances, and your future.

Don’t risk your reputation or freedom. Call our office today at 888-702-8882 for a no-cost case evaluation. Let an aggressive North Hollywood hit and run lawyer develop a strategy that puts you back in control and gives you the best chance at a positive outcome.