Van Nuys Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A sudden accident on Van Nuys Boulevard, a minor scrape in the parking lot at the Galleria, or an unexpected collision along Sepulveda can upend your entire life if you panic and leave the scene. Prosecutors in Van Nuys and throughout the San Fernando Valley take an aggressive approach to hit-and-run cases, often filing charges even when the damage is minor or no injuries are reported. The moment an officer shows up at your door or leaves a notice on your vehicle, you need a knowledgeable hit-and-run lawyer who understands the Van Nuys courthouse process, the intricacies of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and the defense strategies that actually succeed in having charges reduced or dismissed.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following “elements of the crime” as laid out in CALCRIM 2150:

• You were involved in an accident causing damage to someone else’s vehicle or property.
• You knew, or reasonably should have known, about that damage.
• You willfully failed to stop, provide your identifying information, and offer aid as required by law.

An experienced attorney will challenge each element—questioning whether you truly knew contact occurred, if you made a genuine effort to exchange information, and whether law enforcement reached premature conclusions.

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 can result in up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and an order to pay restitution. In Van Nuys, prosecutors almost always demand full reimbursement of towing and repair costs on top of the criminal penalties.

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 if serious injury)

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 wages, pain, and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Van Nuys brings several consequences:

• Up to six months in the West Valley Detention Center.
• A fine as high as $1,000, plus steep penalty assessments.
• Three years of informal probation, which may include community service, alcohol or drug classes if substance use is suspected, and SR-22 insurance requirements.
• Civil responsibility for all property damage and towing expenses.
• Two DMV points, increasing insurance costs and risking license suspension for drivers with prior violations.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer advocating for you, many first-time drivers avoid incarceration by negotiating a civil compromise, qualifying for diversion, or securing a reduction to a lesser “parking lot courtesy” offense, removing criminal liability entirely.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished legal defense team has successfully challenged hundreds of hit-and-run allegations across Van Nuys. Here are proven defense strategies:

• Lack of Knowledge – You were unaware that any contact occurred. For example, a minor bump on a large SUV’s hitch might not be noticeable to the driver. We consult accident reconstructionists and review vehicle telemetry to establish a credible lack of awareness.
• No Property Damage – The statute applies only if something was damaged. If damage was pre-existing or exaggerated by the other party, photos and repair invoices can undercut the prosecution’s claims.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes, the other vehicle leaves before details can be shared. Phone records and dash-cam footage often prove you complied with your obligations.
• Unable to Locate Owner – The law permits leaving your contact information when you cannot find the property owner. A written note placed securely on the vehicle or property meets this requirement.
• Emergency Departure – A medical emergency, personal safety threat, or instruction from law enforcement may excuse your temporary departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Errors with license plates, stolen vehicles, or rideshare confusion sometimes result in wrongful accusations. We subpoena records and surveillance to uncover the truth.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If law enforcement violated your rights by coercing a confession or conducting an unlawful detention, we file motions to suppress such evidence, often resulting in dismissal.

Every case receives a personalized defense—never a one-size-fits-all approach. Our attorneys emphasize your clean record, valid insurance, and willingness to resolve the matter civilly, often persuading prosecutors to negotiate rather than prosecute.

Contact Our Van Nuys Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is critical—the longer you delay, the more difficult it becomes to gather dash-cam footage, locate eyewitnesses, or secure repair records that could clear your name. Our Van Nuys hit and run attorneys are available for a free consultation right away by phone at (747) 249 5077. We will:

• Analyze police reports for errors or weaknesses.
• Reach out to the alleged victim to pursue a civil settlement.
• Work with the court to convert your charge to a non-criminal infraction with no DMV points.
• Seek dismissal if you are factually innocent or if your rights were violated during the investigation.

We have significant experience handling both misdemeanor VC 20002 cases and more serious VC 20001 charges involving injuries. Whether your case is a minor scratch or a multi-car incident, our lawyers understand DMV procedures, insurance claims, and criminal law to protect your license, finances, and future.

Don’t risk your record or your livelihood. Call us now at (747) 249 5077 for your free case evaluation, and let a determined Van Nuys hit and run lawyer take control of your defense. One conversation can make all the difference between panic and peace of mind.