Hit and Run Defense Attorney in Woodland Hills, CA Delivers Dedicated Defense in Los Angeles County and Across Southern California
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough. But when someone leaves the scene without stopping, the situation becomes even more serious under California law. A “hit and run” happens when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing their information or helping anyone who may be injured. Whether it’s a small fender bender or a major crash, failing to stop and report can lead to criminal charges. If you’re facing this kind of charge, a Woodland Hills hit and run defense lawyer can help protect your rights and your future.
Hit and run charges in Woodland Hills are taken very seriously. Even if no one is hurt, you could still be charged with a misdemeanor. If someone is injured or killed, it may be a felony. These charges can lead to fines, jail time, a permanent criminal record, and a suspended driver’s license. On top of that, your car insurance rates could skyrocket, and you might even lose your job—especially if your work involves driving.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we understand how one mistake or misunderstanding can put everything at risk. Our team knows the laws, the local courts, and the best ways to fight these charges. With years of experience handling these kinds of cases in Woodland Hills, we work hard to get charges reduced or even dismissed. If you’ve been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, you need our hit and run defense attorney in Woodland Hills, CA who’s committed to standing up for you. Contact us today.
Types of Hit and Run Cases We Handle in Woodland Hills, CA
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we bring years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how hit and run charges are handled in Woodland Hills courts. Our team is skilled at identifying the facts, spotting weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and crafting defenses tailored to the specific type of incident. We know that each situation is different—and we treat it that way. Our firm is equipped to take on a wide range of hit and run cases, no matter how complex or serious.
We handle a full spectrum of hit and run defense cases in Woodland Hills, including:
- Hit and run with another moving vehicle in Woodland Hills: Involves a collision with another driver where one party leaves the scene without exchanging information.
- Hit and run with parked car in Woodland Hills: Occurs when someone strikes a parked vehicle and fails to leave proper contact or insurance details.
- Hit and run with a bicyclist in Woodland Hills: Involves a collision with a cyclist where the driver does not stop to check for injuries or report the accident.
- Hit and run with a pedestrian in Woodland Hills: Applies when a driver hits a person walking and leaves the scene without helping or calling emergency services.
- Hit and run with property damage in Woodland Hills: Includes accidents where public or private property is damaged and the driver leaves without reporting it.
- Hit and run fender bender in Woodland Hills: Often seen in parking lots or at low speeds, these minor collisions still carry serious legal consequences if one party flees.
- Hit and run under the influence in Woodland Hills: Happens when the driver is suspected of being intoxicated at the time of leaving the scene.
- Hit and run with serious injuries in Woodland Hills: A more severe charge where the accident results in major injuries and the responsible party fails to stop or render aid.
- Hit and run resulting in death in Woodland Hills: A felony-level charge when a person is killed and the driver flees, carrying heavy penalties and long-term consequences.
- Hit and run with vehicular manslaughter in Woodland Hills: Combines a fatal accident with alleged reckless or negligent driving, followed by fleeing the scene.
- And more…We also handle other related charges and complex cases involving multiple vehicles, false accusations, or contested liability.
Whether you're dealing with a minor bump or a life-altering accusation, we are here to give you the experienced, committed legal representation you need. We know how Woodland Hills prosecutors approach these cases, and we know how to fight back. Trust The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney to provide the support and strategy needed to defend your rights and future.
Understanding Hit and Run Charges in Woodland Hills
If you’re accused of leaving the scene of an accident in Woodland Hills, you’re likely facing serious consequences. It’s important to understand how California hit and run laws define these offenses—and what they mean for your future.
Two Types of Hit and Run Charges in California
California law separates hit and run into two main categories, depending on what happened during the incident:
- Misdemeanor Hit and Run (Vehicle Code 20002 VC):This is when someone causes property damage only—like hitting a parked car or a mailbox—and then leaves the scene without leaving their contact information. It doesn’t matter how minor the damage is; if you don’t stop and share your info, you can be charged under Vehicle Code 20002. This is what’s commonly known as a misdemeanor hit and run.
- Felony Hit and Run (Vehicle Code 20001 VC):If the accident caused injury or death, and the driver left without offering help or identifying themselves, it becomes a felony under Vehicle Code 20001. A felony hit and run carries far harsher penalties, including jail time, large fines, and a felony record that can impact your entire life.
Common Hit and Run Scenarios
We see a wide range of situations that lead to hit and run charges in Woodland Hills. These may include:
- Backing into a parked vehicle and driving away without leaving a note
- Clipping a pedestrian or cyclist and panicking
- Hitting another car at a stop sign or in traffic and failing to stop
- Damaging public or private property (like fences or light poles) and leaving the scene
- Minor fender benders where drivers assume the damage isn’t serious
- Leaving the scene due to fear, confusion, or a medical issue
In each of these cases, even if the incident seems small, the legal consequences can be major.
How Voluntary Surrender Can Impact Your Woodland Hills Hit and Run Case
If you left the scene of an accident and later realized the mistake, voluntarily surrendering can be a powerful step in your defense. Turning yourself in shows the court that you are taking responsibility and didn’t intend to avoid accountability.
In Woodland Hills, we’ve seen voluntary surrender make a difference in how judges and prosecutors view a case. It can lead to reduced charges or penalties, and may even prevent a case from being filed at all. But this step should always be taken with the help of our lawyers who can protect your rights and guide the process.
Common Defenses Against Hit and Run Charges in Woodland Hills
Not every accusation leads to a conviction. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we use proven defenses for hit and run charges to challenge the case against you. Here are some of the most effective legal defense strategies we may use:
- Lack of awareness: You didn’t realize there was any contact or damage at the time of the incident. This is more common than many people think, especially in low-impact cases.
- Mistaken identity: You were not the driver involved. We may show you were elsewhere, or that someone else was driving your vehicle—this is known as a mistaken identity defense.
- No damage or injury: If the evidence shows no actual injury or property damage occurred, the charge may not stand.
- Emergency justification: If you left the scene because of a medical emergency, danger, or fear of harm, that context can be critical to your defense.
- Voluntary surrender: If you came forward soon after the incident, we can argue that your intent was never to avoid responsibility but that you initially panicked.
Whether we’re fighting a hit and run charge or negotiating a reduced penalty, our focus is always on protecting your record, your license, and your future. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Early intervention allows us to get in front of the charges, speak with law enforcement on your behalf, and potentially stop a case before it fully develops.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
When you're facing a hit and run charge, you need more than just legal advice—you need a team that will fight for your future. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we are committed to helping every client with smart strategies, personal attention, and relentless defense. Our firm has handled countless hit and run defense cases and knows exactly how to push back against the system.
Here’s how we help you:
- Personalized attention and strategic case planning: We listen closely to your story, examine the facts, and tailor a defense plan to your specific needs. You're never just a case number to us.
- Proven track record: We have years of experience and a strong history of positive outcomes for clients facing hit and run charges.
- Thorough investigation: We dig deep into police reports, witness statements, and available video footage to uncover any details that could help your case.
- Aggressive defense: From pretrial motions to courtroom arguments, we use every tool available to fight the charges head-on.
- Negotiation experience: Our team is skilled in plea bargaining and has helped many clients reduce their charges or avoid jail time altogether.
- Local knowledge: We know the Woodland Hills court system inside and out. Our deep understanding of California criminal law gives us an edge at every stage of your case.
Choosing a trusted criminal defense attorney can make the difference between a harsh penalty and a second chance. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we don’t take that lightly. We're here to protect your rights and get you the best possible outcome.
Why Choose an Experienced Hit and Run Defense Attorney in Woodland Hills, CA at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for Your Case?
When you're dealing with the stress of a hit and run accusation, you need confidence that your legal team knows what they're doing. Working with a Woodland Hills hit and run defense lawyer from our firm means you’ll have a dedicated advocate by your side from start to finish.
We offer:
- Full-service legal help: In addition to hit and run cases, we handle all types of personal injury and criminal defense matters. No matter how complex your case is, we’re ready.
- Free consultations: We take the time to listen, assess the facts, and help you understand your legal options—without charging a dime up front.
- Deep knowledge of California law: From navigating comparative fault in accidents to challenging insurance companies and even government entities, we know how to build strong, effective cases.
- Focused support every step of the way: Our goal is to take the weight off your shoulders. We’re here to explain the process, guide your decisions, and protect your rights at every turn.
- Smart, strategic case building: Whether we’re fighting for a dismissal or negotiating a better deal, our team is skilled at crafting strategies that lead to the most favorable outcome possible.
Having the right attorney can ease your stress and help you move forward. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney’s hit and run defense team is committed to protecting your future and helping you find a path through the legal challenges ahead.
About Criminal Hit and Runs in Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills is a busy part of Los Angeles with heavy traffic and many major roads, including Ventura Boulevard, Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and the 101 Freeway. These areas often see a high number of traffic incidents, including criminal hit and runs. Intersections near shopping centers, school zones, and freeway exits are especially common locations for these accidents. With so much daily congestion and frequent distractions, drivers may panic after a collision—especially if they fear legal trouble, don’t have insurance, or don’t realize the seriousness of the situation.
But if you've been involved in a hit and run in Woodland Hills, know this: you're not alone. Many people in your position are good people who made a split-second mistake or were caught in a moment of fear. What matters now is how you respond—and who you choose to represent you.
Contact an Experienced Woodland Hills Hit and Run Defense Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a Free Consultation About Your Case
Hit and run charges are serious, and they don’t go away on their own. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a felony, the consequences can include jail time, huge fines, a suspended license, and a lifelong criminal record. But when you work with The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, you're not just hiring a lawyer—you're getting a team with the experience, knowledge, and drive to defend your future. Our firm offers honest guidance, aggressive defense, and real results in hit and run cases throughout the Woodland Hills area.
As a top hit and run defense attorney Christopher Chaney understands how to approach these cases with precision and care. We offer confidential, compassionate legal support and tailor our approach to the facts of your situation. Taking quick legal action can often lead to better results—such as reduced charges, avoided jail time, or even case dismissal.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Call 818-330-5198 or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with an attorney who is ready to help.
