Sherman Oaks Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor accident on Ventura Boulevard, a parking lot scrape at Sherman Oaks Galleria, or a late-night incident on the 101 can turn your world upside-down if you panic and leave the scene. Prosecutors in Sherman Oaks and throughout Los Angeles County aggressively pursue hit-and-run charges, regardless of whether the damage was minimal or there were no injuries. If you find a notice from law enforcement or an officer contacts you about a possible hit and run, you need a local attorney with a proven track record in these cases. My Rights Law understands the unique procedures at the Van Nuys Courthouse and knows which strategies can persuade a judge or prosecutor to reduce or dismiss your case under California Vehicle Code § 20002. We take the time to listen, investigate, and build the strongest defense for your situation, helping you minimize or avoid harsh consequences that can follow you for years.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

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

• You were involved in an accident that caused damage to another person’s property or vehicle.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your identification, and offer help when required by law.

Our skilled attorneys challenge each point—questioning if you truly knew a collision happened, whether you attempted to exchange information, and if the officer’s assumptions were justified.

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 can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and restitution. In Sherman Oaks, prosecutors routinely seek repayment for towing and repairs as part of the case resolution.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Explained

Injury/Death

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

Maximum Custody

• VC 20002 (Misdemeanor): 6 months in county jail
• VC 20001 (Felony): 4 years in state prison, or longer with serious injury

Driver’s License Impact

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

Restitution

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

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction can lead to:

• Up to six months in the West Valley Detention Center.
• Fines reaching $1,000, plus substantial penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, community service, and mandatory classes if impairment was involved.
• Civil liability for all related property damage and towing costs.
• Two points on your DMV record, triggering higher insurance rates and possible license suspension for repeat offenders.

With an experienced Sherman Oaks criminal defense attorney advocating for you, many first-time defendants can resolve their cases through a civil compromise, pretrial diversion, or a reduction to a non-criminal “parking lot courtesy” infraction—avoiding a permanent mark on your record.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our experienced legal team at My Rights Law has successfully challenged hundreds of hit-and-run accusations in Sherman Oaks using proven defense strategies:

• Lack of Knowledge – You did not realize a collision occurred. Even a small tap on a trailer hitch may leave no sensation or audible sound in your vehicle. We work with experts to present evidence of reasonable ignorance.
• No Property Damage – The law only applies when actual damage happens. If the alleged damage was pre-existing or exaggerated, we use photos and body shop records to challenge the case.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes drivers stop but cannot locate the other party or the other driver leaves. GPS data, phone records, and dashcam footage can demonstrate your effort to comply with the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – When property is unattended, leaving a note with your information is legally sufficient. We show clear evidence of your intent to notify the owner.
• Emergency Justified Departure – Medical emergencies, safety threats, or police instructions can justify a brief absence from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, rental cars, or ride-share mix-ups can point the finger at the wrong person. We subpoena records to prove your innocence.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If law enforcement obtained evidence through coercion or violated your rights, we fight to suppress that information, undermining the case against you.

Every case is different. Our approach is always personalized—highlighting your good driving record, insurance coverage, and willingness to resolve the situation, to negotiate the best possible outcome.

Contact Our Sherman Oaks Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

The sooner you act, the better your chances to gather critical evidence—dashcam videos, witness accounts, or repair bills—that could exonerate you. Our Sherman Oaks hit and run team is ready to provide a free, immediate case review by phone at (747) 249 5077. Here’s how we help:

• Analyze police reports for inconsistencies and legal flaws.
• Negotiate with alleged victims for a civil compromise when possible.
• Fight for a reduction of charges to a no-point, non-criminal infraction.
• Pursue dismissal if you’re factually innocent or your rights were violated during the investigation.

Our firm is experienced in both minor misdemeanor and serious felony hit-and-run cases in Sherman Oaks. Whether you’re facing allegations over a scraped mirror or a multi-car pileup, our lawyers leverage in-depth knowledge of DMV rules, insurance procedures, and criminal law to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Don’t let one mistake ruin your life. Call us today at (747) 249 5077 for a free consultation with a proven Sherman Oaks hit and run lawyer. We will listen, advise, and deliver a game plan to put you back in control.