Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

My son was involved in a car accident where he hit 2 parked trucks on a residential street and knocked over a small tree on property. In a panic, he fled the seen. The captain came to my home looking for my son and advised me to have him come into the police station and give him an honest statement. One of his friends who has family who is a police officer advised him to NOT make any statement until he can speak to a lawyer which is what he did. Now another friend who also has family in the police dept advised him that he should not wait for an attorney and just go back and turn in a statement. My son is very scared but wants to do the right thing. Will it hurt him more or will it help him if he goes back to make a statement? The accident happened 10/01 and his truck is being held for investigation. Would greatly appreciate your opinion. Thanks kindly.


Asked on 10/02/09, 12:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

He should get a lawyer first. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. The police might not have enough evidence yet to convict him of that crime. But if he makes a statement admitting to what he did, he will make their job much easier.

When a police officer says that cooperating is in a suspect's best interests, it's seldom true.

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Answered on 10/02/09, 3:57 pm
BRUCE NELSON BRUCE E. NELSON ATTORNEY AT LAW

Definitely get an attorney to deal with the police and the DA. Mr.Hoffman is absolutely correct,uttering anything to the police is ill advised

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Answered on 10/02/09, 11:02 pm


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