Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury

Burlington Township NJ Leaving Scene of Accident Lawyer

Mistakes happen. It is part of life. However, it is how we react in the seconds and minutes after these mistakes that make all the difference. For motor vehicle accidents, we will only compound the problems by attempting to flee or leave the scene of an accident. Whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol and didn’t want to get caught or you simply had a lapse in judgement, you could be facing serious penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury. If you are later caught and arrested, then you will be facing a third degree felony offense and the potential for a multiple-year prison sentence. If you or someone you love have been arrested, charged and facing a Detention Hearing for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury or Death, call the Mount Holly Criminal Lawyers Attorneys at Proetta, Oliver & Fay. Our team of criminal trial attorneys can be reached 24/7 for your convenience and will sit down to discuss your case. Call (609) 850-8284 today for your complimentary consultation.

What to Do if You Are Arrested for Leaving The Scene of an Accident?

As previously mentioned, New Jersey criminalizes Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1. If you are arrested and charged with N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, first thing you need to remember is that anything you say will be used against you by police. They may say that remaining silent will “only hurt you,” but the truth is that making statements to police with your attorney present is the “kiss of death” in criminal cases. We always recommend to our clients that your best option is invoke your constitutional right to remain silent until you have spoken with a lawyer. Do not succumb to police intimidation.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Criminal Offense Mount Laurel, NJ

In order for the State to even charge you with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury, the police must have probable cause that you:

• Operated a motor vehicle
• Were involved in an accident
• Knew that you were involved in an accident
• Knowingly left the scene of that accident
• The accident resulted in serious bodily injury to another person

What Makes an Injury “Serious Bodily Injury?”

Also, pursuant to NJSA 2C:11-1, “serious bodily injury“ has been defined as “bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of any bodily member or organ.”

How Long Will I Go To Jail for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in NJ?

As a third degree felony crime, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury statutorily creates a potential prison sentence between three (3) and five (5) years in a New Jersey State Prison. Additionally, depending upon the facts of your case, you may also be charged with second degree aggravated assault which carries up to ten (10) years in prison! While you may think that you are eligible for Pretrial Intervention, you should know that as a violent crime, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury will likely cause the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office to deny your PTI Application. Contact our Office for information on how to Appeal a PTI Application Denial.

Westampton NJ Leaving the Scene of an Accident Attorneys

At Proetta, Oliver & Fay we are a client-focused and client-driven law firm. We treat each case with care so as to maximize communication and understanding between ourselves and our clients. This approach has proven to allow for greater cooperation and factual insight into our cases as each client is more willing to be truthful. As your attorney, we are working with you to obtain the best outcome possible. Whether your case goes to trial and is resolved beforehand, we are fully prepared for every possibility. If you or someone you love have been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving While Intoxicated, Assault by Auto, Eluding or any other criminal offense in Burlington County, call (609) 850-8284. We represent clients throughout the State of New Jersey, including towns like Mansfield, Moorestown, Willingboro, Cinnaminson, Bordentown, Mount Holly, Pemberton and Bass River.