Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Left the Scene-What to Do?

Yes, you need a lawyer. You do not want to talk to ANY law enforcement without an attorney ever.

Re: Left the Scene-What to Do?

Your biggest mistake, after leaving the scene of the accident, was reporting your car stolen. That's insurance fraud. Now you are facing questions by police and insurance investigators who will be automatically suspicious of everything you say. You can be charged with serious felonies including insurance fraud, hit and run, giving false information to the police, and other charges depending on what happens next. The only thing you won't be charged with will be the 2d DUI that you mentioned - but in retrospect, you might wish that was all they could charge you with. Too late for that, but don't make it worse and talk to any cop or investigator without consulting with a criminal lawyer. If you'd like to talk to me, feel free to call for a free consultation. Steve Mandell 310 393 0639

Re: Left the Scene-What to Do?

You will need a lawyer to defend against the likely criminal charge of filing a false police report, among other things. The police and courts are not going to be happy with you. Contact me if interested in getting proper defense.

Re: Left the Scene-What to Do?

Thank you for your posting, and the opportunity to help you make decisions regarding this difficult situation.

Your question was 'what can they charge me with', and the answer to that ranges from hit and run (if private or government property was in anyway damaged), to insurance fraud, possibly, although very unlikely, DUI, filing a false police report, and obstruction of justice. These charges, each of them, are serious, and should be treated seriously by you.

I can't recommend enough that you at least talk to an attorney -- many offer a free consultation, and you can come up with a game plan, in the privacy of an attorney's office.

If you'd like help with your case, or have any additional questions, please feel free to email me, anytime, at [email protected]. It's my pleasure to help in any way that I can.

Re: Left the Scene-What to Do?

Filing a false police report is a crime, driving under the influence is also a crime. Get represented. Call me directly at (619) 222-3504.