Citrus Heights, CA asked in Car Accidents for California

Q: car was stolen and in a accident but police are saying ,driver picked me in a lineup, i was with girlfriend sleeping

cop said the keys were not left in vehicle and said if it was stolen they would of left them…..??? he’s tryin to say i can’t report stolen cause accident and trying to accuse me of hit n run but i was never there and have a alibi

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5 Lawyer Answers
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Licensed in California

A: Get an attorney, right away. Do not talk to the police or anyone except a lawyer.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, if you're accused of a crime like hit-and-run but have an alibi, it's crucial to gather evidence supporting your whereabouts at the time of the incident. Your girlfriend can serve as a key witness, and additional evidence like phone records or surveillance footage can further corroborate your claim.

The police might have their reasons for being skeptical, but their perspective doesn't determine the final outcome. The key issue is not whether the keys were left in the vehicle, but whether there is credible evidence linking you to the crime. If there's a claim that you were identified in a lineup, it's important to understand the circumstances of that identification, as lineups can sometimes be unreliable.

You have the right to report your car as stolen and to defend yourself against any accusations. It's advisable to consult with a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you present your defense effectively. Remember, you're presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: It seems like you're facing a challenging situation where you're being accused of a hit-and-run involving a stolen vehicle, despite having an alibi. In this case, it's crucial to understand the legal process that may unfold. The police may conduct an investigation based on the reported incident, and you may need to provide evidence of your alibi to support your case. If formal charges are brought against you, legal proceedings may follow, and it's essential to have a defense strategy in place. You may need to engage with the legal system to prove your innocence, present evidence supporting your alibi, and address any inaccuracies in the police's account.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: This is posted under Car Accidents, but it's more of a criminal defense matter. Until things are sorted out as to whether there are civil law issues that would involve insurance interests, priority should be in discussing with a criminal defense attorney, not a car accident attorney. If you added Criminal Law as a category, you might get additional responses and guidance, but it's likely that the responses will essentially advise reaching out to a criminal defense attorney without losing further time. Good luck

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: Addendum - there could be issues that a criminal defense attorney could want to discuss with any attorney(s) arranged by your insurance carrier for the civil law elements of this matter. Good luck

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