A hit-and-run allegation, whether it involves property damage or injury, is one of the most stressful charges a driver can face. Many people leave the scene out of fear, confusion, or simply not realizing a collision occurred. But the law treats these cases seriously, and the consequences can follow you for years if not handled correctly.

Applies when the incident involves property damage only, such as:

• Another vehicle
   
• A parked vehicle
   
• Fences, mailboxes, or landscaping
   
• Buildings or other structures
   

• Misdemeanor conviction
   
• Fines and court fees
   
• Restitution to the property owner
   
• Probation
   
• Potential license consequences
   

These cases can often be resolved without a conviction if handled early and strategically.

Applies when the collision involves:

• Injury to another person
   
• Death (which greatly increases the stakes)
   

Even if the accident was not your fault, leaving the scene can still result in felony charges.

• Felony conviction
   
• Jail or prison time
   
• Probation
   
• Restitution
   
• Significant impact on your driving record
   
• Increased insurance consequences
   

Felony hit-and-run charges can sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors—or dismissed—depending on the facts.

California law requires a driver involved in a collision to:

1. Stop at the scene
    
2. Provide identification
    
3. Provide insurance information
    
4. Give reasonable assistance if someone is injured
    
5. Report the incident to law enforcement when necessary
    

But many people fail to do this because they panic, feel unsafe, or genuinely didn’t realize the collision occurred.

Hit-and-run charges often arise from:

• Light contact or “bump” collisions the driver never noticed
   
• Clipping a parked car in a crowded parking lot
   
• Leaving the scene after trying unsuccessfully to locate the owner
   
• Panicking after a minor crash
   
• Fear of immigration consequences
   
• Driving on a suspended license and becoming afraid to stop
   
• Leaving due to safety concerns in a dangerous location
   

These human factors matter, and they can be powerful defenses.

I analyze each case for issues such as:

• Lack of knowledge of the collision
   
• Minimal or no actual damage
   
• Mistaken identity — you weren’t the driver
   
• You tried to stop but it was unsafe
   
• You attempted to locate the owner but couldn’t
   
• No injury actually occurred (critical in felony cases)
   
• Unlawful traffic stop or improper investigation
   
• Insufficient evidence from surveillance or witnesses
   

Many hit-and-run cases can be resolved through “civil compromise,” which may lead to dismissal.

Hit-and-run investigations usually begin with a phone call, voicemail, business card at your door, or a request to “come in and talk.”

Here’s what you should do:

1. Do NOT call the officer back yourself.
    
2. Do NOT make a statement—even “I don’t know what happened.”
    
3. Do NOT go to the station without a lawyer.
    
4. Contact a defense attorney immediately.
    

Police often try to get an admission to close the case. You have the right to remain silent, and exercising that right protects you.

• Local Inland Empire experience with San Bernardino & Riverside courts
   
• Skilled at negotiating civil compromises to reduce or dismiss charges
   
• Strategic approach tailored to preserving your driving record and criminal record
   
• One-on-one representation from a solo practitioner who knows your case personally
   

Hit-and-run charges are extremely defensible—especially when handled early.