Northampton, MA asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts

Q: Left scene of auto damage but spoke with police within the hour. What can I expect?

I hIt the back of a parked car and left the scene. There was nobody in the area, no people were injured and I did not see any damage to the car (mine was fine). However, apparently there was a witness and there was damage. The police contacted me and I met them at my car within the same hour. I was told I would not receive a citation, I provided my insurance information and license, and told to wait for a court summons. What can I expect in court? This has never happened to me before. I have a good driving record.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Joseph B. Simons
Joseph B. Simons
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Boston, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: Based on your description, I'm guessing you'll get a notice to appear for a clerk magistrate hearing. Keep an eye out for your mail, as these notices come in an envelope from the court. For your information, these are the elements of Leaving the Scene:

1. You operated a motor vehicle

2. On a public road, or in a place where the public has access

3. You caused damage to another vehicle or other property

4. You knew that you caused the damage

5. You failed to stop and give your information (i.e., name, address, insurance)

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.