Im form California,Of course the hit and run is so not true! There was no injuries, and they were the ones who hit MY car, and now theyre saying that i did 2000$ worth of damage to their car. First question, do i need an attorney? or will a public defender be okay? Second question, is this a felony, or a misdamener? Third question, what will be the fine? any other comments or reccomendations would be appreciated
2007-03-31 13:22:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
It is NOT a felony - it is a misdemeanor in CA. CVC 20002 does not become a felony no matter the cost of the damage. It is a felony if a person injured.
The standard penalty is a maximum of $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in county jail. Well, you'd also have to pay restitution to the victim and various court fees and costs if convicted.
A public defender IS an attorney. if you can afford a private attorney (have assets or money), then you will not qualify for a public defender.
So, why do they think it's a hit and run? Did you leave the scene without exchanging info? Even if the other party hit you, you are still obligated to remain and exchange information. Did you provide all the info required by law?
- Carl
2007-03-31 13:38:28 · answer #1 · answered by cdwjava 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, public defenders ARE attorneys, but you are not entitled to be represented by one unless you cannot afford to hire your own attorney. You should be represented by counsel.
Second, nothing in what you say indicates that you are not guilty. The parties to any accident involving property damage, not only injuries, must exchange identifying information, no matter who is at fault. If you did not do this, you violated the law.
Third, this is a misdemeanor, the maximum fine is $1,000, and the maximum jail time is six months. What you are actually facing depends upon your record, the circumstances, the court, etc., but an ordinary hit and run does not usually carry jail as a consequence.
2007-03-31 13:49:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. It is felony; particularly when $2,000.00 worth of damage is alleged.
2. If you have a job, you probably won't be given a Public Defender. Counsel paid by the government is not provided to people with a substantial (more than minimum wage) income.
3. The fine will be determined at sentencing.
I would contact a criminal attorney, and request a consultation.
If you hire him, he can contact the DA's office and negotiate a bail amount; hopefully, out on your own recognizance.
Thereafter, your attorney needs to investigate the allegations, by contacting your witnesses and interviewing them. Also, an expert in motor vehicle accidents may be needed, to investigate and reconstruct the scene of the accident and possibly testify in court, if the matter goes to trial.
Good luck!
2007-03-31 13:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by MenifeeManiac 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, indeed you need an attorney. Local and state laws are so complicated. Also your first thing when being involved in an accident is stay put, do never admit that it has been your fault! Also alway's important now a day's with cell phones having camera's in them take pictures . Pictures say a million words. I know from my own experience. Good luck!
2007-03-31 13:35:32 · answer #4 · answered by angelikabertrand64 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need an attorney, if you got a good public defender but you need one working just for you.
It is a misdemeanor but you will lose your drivers license if you are convicted and will not get it back untill you pay for thier damges. ( but I will assume your insurance will pay)
This is a fairly serious charge as far as driving violations go.
2007-03-31 13:27:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First go talk to legal aid >> Look it up in the Government pages of your Tel. book..
2007-03-31 13:27:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get a lawyer
2007-03-31 13:25:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are all the answers so short these days?
2016-08-23 22:31:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋