Q: Can I be cited for leaving the scene on private property. While parking damage occurred at minimal.
Unable to contact other party as they were inside at work and I do not know the individual. I left at the end of my shift. A officer called me 6 days later to speak with me and cited me
A:
In short, yes. Leaving the scene of the accident with damage to another vehicle that appears to be less than $1,500 is a Class B Misdemeanor. A Class B Misdemeanor carries a maximum jail time of 6 months and fines up to $500. The court in addition to or in lieu of those penalties can require you to attend a driver's education course that may cost between $50-175.
InTennessee, absent an exception to the warrant requirement, a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor that was not committed in the officer's presence is illegal.This is a potential defense depending on other circumstances of the citation, including the court that you were charged in. If it is a citation in municipal court, or city court, then the defense is not available to you. However, if you were cited to general sessions court, you may have a defense.
Regardless, your citation is likely something that an attorney in Tennessee can handle for you to at least stop you from getting points on your license and your insurance rate going up. Depending on your driving history, an attorney may be able to help fight the ticket, potentially without you appearing in court, to get the citation dismissed. Wish you the best of luck!
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