Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated holidays in California, drawing crowds, parties, and unfortunately—confusion on the roads. If you've recently been wrongfully accused of a hit and run during Cinco de Mayo, you're not alone. Every year, individuals across the state are falsely identified in accidents due to stolen license plates, car-sharing mix-ups, or mistaken police reports.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. Let’s break down what’s really going on—and how to protect your rights.
Why Do False Hit-and-Run Accusations Happen During Cinco de Mayo?
1. Increased Traffic, Increased Chaos
California, but especially Los Angeles, hosts the largest number of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States. From parades and festivals to late-night parties, the streets are packed with cars and people. This influx of activity significantly increases the chances of traffic collisions, witness misidentification, and police confusion.
Unfortunately, in the rush to investigate hit-and-run accidents during these hectic events, mistakes happen—and innocent people get caught in the crossfire.
2. Stolen License Plates or Cloned Vehicles
In California, stolen or cloned license plates are becoming increasingly common. Some individuals remove plates from parked vehicles and attach them to similar‑looking cars to avoid detection. If someone used your stolen plate in a hit‑and‑run, authorities could mistakenly link you to a crime you never committed—even if you were miles away from the scene.
Sometimes, it’s not even theft—it’s plate cloning, where your license plate number is duplicated and put on another vehicle to commit crimes anonymously.
3. Car Sharing Can Complicate Things
Many California residents use platforms like Turo and traditional rental car services. If your car was rented or borrowed by someone else and involved in an accident, you could still be held responsible—unless you take steps to protect yourself.
What makes this even more difficult is that not all car-sharing services track who was behind the wheel in real-time. So, when law enforcement starts their investigation, you might be listed as the registered owner and first point of contact, leading to a wrongful accusation.
What to Do If You Were Falsely Accused of a Hit and Run
1. Stay Calm—Don’t Panic
The first step is to remain calm and avoid making any rash decisions. Being accused of a Cinco de Mayo hit and run in California is a serious matter, but it doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and there are strong defenses available for those wrongfully accused.
2. Document Everything
As soon as you hear about the accusation, start gathering evidence:
- Receipts or time-stamped photos showing your location during the incident
- Dashcam footage, if available
- Communication records if your car was rented or borrowed
- Documentation showing you reported your license plates as stolen (if applicable)
The more you can prove you weren’t involved, the stronger your defense will be.
3. Don’t Talk to Police Without Legal Representation
Even if you believe you're helping by clearing things up, anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken to a qualified criminal defense attorney.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can help Californians just like you who were wrongfully accused because of car-sharing confusion, stolen plates, or incorrect police information. We know what to look for—and how to dismantle weak or circumstantial claims.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Clear Your Name
1. Investigating the True Source of the Error
Your criminal defense attorney will start by carefully examining the accident report, video surveillance, and witness statements. These sources often contain inconsistencies or assumptions that don’t hold up under scrutiny.
For example, if a witness described a silver Toyota Camry with your license plate—but you drive a black Honda Civic—there’s already a clear issue of misidentification.
2. Challenging Weak Evidence in Court
In California, hit-and-run charges under Vehicle Code 20001 or 20002 require the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- You were the driver
- You were involved in the collision
- You knew (or reasonably should have known) the accident occurred
- You willfully fled the scene without exchanging information
If any one of those elements is in doubt, your charges could be reduced or dropped altogether.
3. Offering Alternative Explanations Backed by Evidence
A skilled hit and run defense attorney will also present alternative narratives to show reasonable doubt. If you can prove you were elsewhere, your car was stolen, or another person was driving with permission, these facts can dismantle the prosecution's case.
Real-World Example: Mistaken Identity Case Dropped in Los Angeles
Let’s say a driver reported being sideswiped during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in downtown Los Angeles. The witness noted a partial plate number and described a car that looked like yours. Later, you're contacted by police, even though you were in Santa Monica with friends the entire night.
If you provide timestamped photos and eyewitnesses from that night, your attorney could file a motion to dismiss based on lack of evidence and mistaken identity.
Don’t Let a False Hit and Run Charge Ruin Your Life
Being wrongfully accused of a hit and run during Cinco de Mayo is not only stressful—it can have lasting effects on your life, your reputation, and your freedom. You could be facing hefty fines, license suspension, or even jail time if convicted.
That’s why it’s critical to act fast.
At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we focus on defending clients against false accusations resulting from mistaken identity, stolen identity, and license plate misuse. We understand how California law enforcement operates—and we're ready to push back when they get it wrong.
Accused of a Hit and Run During Cinco de Mayo? Call Now for a Free Consultation With the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney in Los Angeles
If you’ve been wrongfully accused of a Cinco de Mayo hit and run in Los Angeles, California, don’t wait to take action. You may only have a small window of time to gather evidence and protect your name before charges move forward.
Let our experienced criminal defense attorneys review your case and help you clear your name. Call the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today at 818-330-5198 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
We’re here to protect your rights—because being at the wrong place at the wrong time shouldn’t define your future. Our firm represents residents of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Venice Beach, Pasadena, and Santa Ana.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
