Navigating the Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Monroe County, Michigan: Insights from a Former Prosecutor
In Monroe County, Michigan, as a former prosecutor, I dealt with a significant number of cases involving charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. These charges varied significantly based on the specific circumstances surrounding each case. The most prevalent charge was Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Property Damage, implying that the defendant was involved in an accident and chose to drive away. This charge carries 6 points on your driving record and is considered a criminal misdemeanor.
There are several factors I used to consider while dealing with these cases. These include the time of day when the accident occurred, the location and type of road where it happened, the driving record of the individual charged, their version of events, the extent of property damage, and their efforts to report the incident or remain at the scene.
It is important to note that every case differs and each is viewed independently by Monroe County's justice system. The three judges that preside over such cases in Monroe County - Brown, Eicher and Horkey - are known for their comprehensive and fair examination of every case that comes before them. They examine the particulars of each situation, the defendant's prior history, and the current circumstances to deliver a fair judgment.
A defendant charged with this offense typically aims to avoid accruing points on their license and warding off a criminal misdemeanor. There is a 0 point offense called 'failure to report an accident', which although still a misdemeanor, could be a negotiation start point to resolve a case.
Another level of this offense is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Personal Injury. In such instances, another person is injured due to the accident. If the individual sustains severe impairment or, worse, succumbs to their injuries, the charges escalate to felony level, and there may be severe implications for the defendant's driver's license.
My experience as a prosecutor allows me to understand the complexities and possible resolutions for these cases. If the evidence against a defendant is strong, including statements, video footage, or admissions, it is often more advantageous to attempt to resolve the case rather than fight a uphill battle against the evidence.
In Monroe County, the common goals when resolving these cases are to evade a criminal misdemeanor, prevent points on the license, and avoid a suspension of the license. The path to these outcomes varies based on the specific facts of the case. Restitution for property damage or personal injury may be involved and can often be leveraged to negotiate for desired outcomes for your record and license.
Despite the law's clarity that one should not leave the scene of an accident, there are often extenuating circumstances or personal issues at play. For instance, if my client is dealing with mental or emotional distress that contributed to their decision to leave the scene, we would seek professional help to address these issues and provide context for their actions.
The ultimate goal is to convert the incident into a learning experience rather than a long-term detrimental impact on my client's life. This perspective is essential when navigating the consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Monroe County, Michigan.
There are several factors I used to consider while dealing with these cases. These include the time of day when the accident occurred, the location and type of road where it happened, the driving record of the individual charged, their version of events, the extent of property damage, and their efforts to report the incident or remain at the scene.
It is important to note that every case differs and each is viewed independently by Monroe County's justice system. The three judges that preside over such cases in Monroe County - Brown, Eicher and Horkey - are known for their comprehensive and fair examination of every case that comes before them. They examine the particulars of each situation, the defendant's prior history, and the current circumstances to deliver a fair judgment.
A defendant charged with this offense typically aims to avoid accruing points on their license and warding off a criminal misdemeanor. There is a 0 point offense called 'failure to report an accident', which although still a misdemeanor, could be a negotiation start point to resolve a case.
Another level of this offense is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Personal Injury. In such instances, another person is injured due to the accident. If the individual sustains severe impairment or, worse, succumbs to their injuries, the charges escalate to felony level, and there may be severe implications for the defendant's driver's license.
My experience as a prosecutor allows me to understand the complexities and possible resolutions for these cases. If the evidence against a defendant is strong, including statements, video footage, or admissions, it is often more advantageous to attempt to resolve the case rather than fight a uphill battle against the evidence.
In Monroe County, the common goals when resolving these cases are to evade a criminal misdemeanor, prevent points on the license, and avoid a suspension of the license. The path to these outcomes varies based on the specific facts of the case. Restitution for property damage or personal injury may be involved and can often be leveraged to negotiate for desired outcomes for your record and license.
Despite the law's clarity that one should not leave the scene of an accident, there are often extenuating circumstances or personal issues at play. For instance, if my client is dealing with mental or emotional distress that contributed to their decision to leave the scene, we would seek professional help to address these issues and provide context for their actions.
The ultimate goal is to convert the incident into a learning experience rather than a long-term detrimental impact on my client's life. This perspective is essential when navigating the consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Monroe County, Michigan.