You may not have been fully aware or able to process the actions you took immediately after your auto accident. But now that some time has passed, you may feel deeply regretful that you fled the scene before being able to check on other involved parties’ property and physical states. You may feel inclined to do the right thing and admit your offense to the authorities, despite the criminal consequences you know will likely follow. Well, please continue reading to learn whether you should turn yourself in to the police after engaging in a hit-and-run accident and how an experienced Morristown traffic violation lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can help you work on your defense before the New Jersey criminal court.
Should I turn myself in after participating in a hit-and-run accident?
The truth of the matter is that it is better to voluntarily turn yourself in for your hit-and-run offense than to have law enforcement track you down eventually. Even if it has already been a while and you have not been approached for it, you can never write off the possibility that someone took down your license plate number or has photographic or video evidence of your physical characteristics and your vehicle’s make, model, and color. This is to say that you must assume that having to face the criminal consequences of a hit-and-run is inevitable.
With that said, we ask that you do not come forward to the police without having proper legal representation by your side. This is because you do not want to answer their line of questioning correctly and self-incriminate for actions you did not actually do, as anything you say can and will be used against you in a New Jersey criminal courtroom. What’s more, with a volunteer surrendering, your lawyer may work to negotiate favorable, reduced penalties in a plea bargain, rather than risk facing the maximum penalty imposed by the court.
What possible defenses can I take for leaving the scene of an accident?
Sadly, prosecutors may be unwilling to enter a plea bargain, and you may find yourself standing before the New Jersey criminal court. If so, you may present certain defenses in an attempt to reduce the charges or lighten the sentence the judge ultimately places against you for a hit-and-run traffic violation or criminal offense. Examples of possible defenses for leaving the scene of your auto accident that may apply to you are as follows:
- You may argue that you did not realize the collision occurred due to panic or shock and lacked the intent to commit a hit and run.
- You may argue that you or a passenger in your vehicle was experiencing a medical emergency that required immediate attention and treatment.
- You may argue that you feared for your safety if you stayed at the scene of the accident due to the other involved party’s aggression, displaying a weapon, etc.
If this is what you are currently up against, do not try to put up a fight without the legal assistance of a skilled Morristown criminal defense lawyer from Graves Andrews, LLC. We urge you to retain our services as soon as possible.