Hit and Run

Facing Hit and Run Charges in Riverside County? You Need Immediate Legal Advocacy.

A moment of panic or poor judgment following a traffic accident can lead to serious criminal charges in California. If you have been accused of a "Hit and Run" in Riverside County—whether in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Winchester, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, Corona, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Banning, Murrieta, Menifee, or the surrounding communities like Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Wildomar, or French Valley—you are facing a complex legal battle that requires immediate and experienced defense. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, we understand the fear and uncertainty these charges bring, and we are dedicated to providing aggressive, compassionate representation to protect your freedom and future.

Understanding the California Crime of Hit and Run

In California, the law places a strict duty on drivers involved in an accident to stop, exchange information, and render aid if necessary. Failing to do so constitutes a "Hit and Run." This crime is codified under two primary Vehicle Code sections, depending on the severity of the incident.

Vehicle Code 20002 (Property Damage): This is typically charged as a misdemeanor. It applies when an accident results only in damage to another vehicle or property (like a fence or mailbox). Even if the damage is minor, the driver must stop and locate the owner or leave written contact information. Vehicle Code 20001 (Injury or Death): This is the far more serious charge and can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony (a "wobbler"). If the accident causes injury or death to another person, the driver has a mandatory duty to stop immediately and provide reasonable assistance, including ensuring the injured party receives medical attention. Failure to comply with VC 20001 carries severe penalties, including mandatory prison time if the victim suffered serious injury or death.

Common Scenarios and Severe Penalties

Many people believe a Hit and Run only applies to high-speed crashes, but the reality is that the charge can arise from very common scenarios. Perhaps you bumped a parked car in a crowded Murrieta parking lot and didn't realize the extent of the damage, or you were involved in a minor fender-bender on the I-15 near Temecula and panicked, driving away without exchanging insurance information. Even if you were not at fault for the initial accident, leaving the scene can turn a simple civil matter into a criminal case.

The potential penalties for a conviction are significant and life-altering:

• Misdemeanor (VC 20002): Up to six months in county jail, fines up to $1,000, probation, and two points on your DMV record.
• Felony (VC 20001): Up to four years in state prison (or even longer if the injury was serious), substantial fines (up to $10,000), restitution to the victim, and a permanent felony record.
• Driver's License Suspension: Regardless of the charge, a conviction often leads to the suspension or revocation of your California driving privileges, severely impacting your ability to commute through areas like Lake Elsinore or Winchester.

Strategic Defense is Essential

When the police investigate a Hit and Run—often relying on witness statements, surveillance footage from businesses in Menifee, or paint transfers—they are focused on proving two things: that you were the driver and that you willfully failed to comply with your duties.

As your criminal defense attorney, Nic Cocis will immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to build a powerful defense strategy. Potential defenses we explore include:

Lack of Knowledge: Arguing that the driver genuinely did not know or realize that an accident occurred or that any damage or injury resulted. This is often applicable in minor property damage cases or if the driver was operating a large commercial vehicle.

Mistaken Identity: Challenging the prosecution's evidence that you were the driver of the vehicle involved.

No Willful Intent: Demonstrating that while you may have left the scene, you did not do so with the intent to evade your legal duties. Perhaps you left to find a safer place to stop or were seeking immediate assistance.

Returning to the Scene: If you left but returned promptly, this can mitigate the charge.

Why Choose the Law Office of Nic Cocis?

A Hit and Run investigation can move quickly, especially in densely populated areas like French Valley. Law enforcement will often pressure suspects for statements, which can inadvertently damage your case. Do not speak to the police without legal counsel.

Nic Cocis is a dedicated criminal defense attorney serving all of Riverside County. We understand the local court systems, the prosecutors, and the judges, which is vital when negotiating plea agreements or fighting for acquittal at trial. We work tirelessly to mitigate the consequences, whether that means negotiating a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor, avoiding jail time, or seeking a complete dismissal of the charges.

If you are facing Hit and Run allegations under Vehicle Code 20001 or 20002, the time to act is now. Your future, your freedom, and your driving privileges are at stake.

Contact the Law Office of Nic Cocis today for a confidential, free consultation. Let us put our experience to work protecting your rights in Riverside County.