Victorville Hit and Run Lawyer

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

A minor collision on Bear Valley Road, a bump in a crowded parking lot near The Mall of Victor Valley, or a late-night incident on Interstate 15 can instantly turn your world upside down if you make the mistake of leaving the scene. Prosecutors in Victorville and across San Bernardino County aggressively pursue hit and run cases, even when the damage is minimal and nobody was injured. As soon as you see law enforcement at your door or find a citation on your car, you need a dedicated hit and run lawyer who knows the local courts, understands the technicalities of California Vehicle Code § 20002, and can utilize the most persuasive defenses to fight for your case to be reduced or dismissed.

Elements of a Hit and Run Crime

For a prosecutor to secure a conviction, they must prove every “element of the crime” beyond a reasonable doubt, as described in CALCRIM 2150:

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

An experienced attorney can challenge each of these factors, questioning whether you knew an accident even happened, whether you attempted to share your information, or whether the police jumped to conclusions 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.”

Not complying with this law can result in up to six months in the county jail, a $1,000 fine, and an order to pay restitution. In Victorville, prosecutors nearly always request full payment for all towing and repair costs as well.

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 (or more 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): Covers property repairs
• VC 20001 (Felony): Includes medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Probation

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

Penalties Under California Vehicle Code § 20002

A misdemeanor hit and run conviction in Victorville can lead to severe consequences:

• As much as six months in the West Valley Detention Center.
• Fines up to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments.
• Up to three years of informal probation, possibly including community service, substance abuse classes if impairment was suspected, and SR-22 insurance filings.
• Liability for all property damages and towing costs.
• Two DMV points, which can mean higher insurance rates and a potential license suspension if your driving record isn’t clean.

With a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer advocating for you, many first-time offenders in Victorville can avoid jail time through civil compromise, diversion programs, or by negotiating a “parking lot courtesy” reduction that eliminates the criminal aspect of the case.

Legal Defenses to Hit and Run Accusations

Our accomplished defense team at My Rights Law has successfully defended countless hit and run cases in Victorville using tried-and-true legal strategies, including:

• Lack of Knowledge – You genuinely did not realize that a collision had taken place. Small impacts on trucks or SUVs are often not noticed. We utilize accident experts and vehicle data to show reasonable doubt about your awareness.
• No Property Damage – VC 20002 only applies if property was actually damaged. If scratches were old or the other party exaggerated losses, evidence such as photos and repair records can undermine the case.
• Stopped and Exchanged Information – Sometimes, drivers do stop but the other party drives away. Phone records and dash-cam data can confirm your efforts to comply with the law.
• Unable to Locate Owner – If the other vehicle or property was unattended, leaving a clear note with your information satisfies your legal obligation.
• Emergency Justified Departure – Medical emergencies, threats, or being instructed by police can legally justify a brief departure from the scene.
• Mistaken Identity – Sometimes a license plate is misread, a car is borrowed or stolen, or the wrong person is blamed. We dig into dispatch logs and surveillance footage to reveal the truth.
• Illegal Stop or Statement – If police obtained an admission without proper Miranda warnings or conducted an unlawful stop, we challenge the evidence and move to have it excluded from the case.

Every defense is personalized—never a template. Our lawyers present your good driving history, valid insurance, and willingness to resolve the matter, often persuading prosecutors to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Contact Our Victorville Hit and Run Lawyer for Help

Time is critical when defending a hit and run accusation. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to secure dash-cam footage, witness statements, or repair receipts that may prove your innocence. Our Victorville hit and run attorneys offer a free, immediate consultation by phone at (760) 490-0308. We will:

• Scrutinize arrest records for flaws or weaknesses.
• Contact the alleged victim to work out a civil compromise.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor and court to reduce your case to a no-point infraction where possible.
• Argue for dismissal based on insufficient evidence or violations of your rights.

With years of experience handling both minor property damage cases under VC 20002 and more serious injury or fatality charges under VC 20001, our attorneys at My Rights Law know how to protect your license, your finances, and your future. Whether the case involves a scratched bumper or a more complex accident, we provide aggressive and knowledgeable representation every step of the way.

Don’t risk a permanent criminal record. Call our Victorville office today at (760) 490-0308 for a free consultation. Let a dedicated hit and run lawyer help you take back control and build the strong defense you deserve.