Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

What do you mean is this a legitimate ticket? Yes, that is a crime in Michigan - hitting a tree falls under the definition of an automobile accident and according to the law, he was required to report it. Had he driven the car away, then nobody would have known if you had not reported it. The charges can be a civil infraction or a misdemeanor - hopefully only a civil infraction. He needs to take this seriously, appear in court, apologize, accept responsibility, and comply with any penalties imposed. I'd suggest he retain a lawyer because he does not want a conviction like this on his driving record or criminal record, as when police pull his abstract, they won't know the details of what happened - only that he left the scene of an accident, and they will assume the worst. It is much better to hire a lawyer to negotiate a deal to a lesser charge. Please contact me if you want to retain a lawyer. Thanks.

I agree that it is a violation, actually a very common one which many drivers are not aware of. While its a misdemeanor but can be resolved favorably. Contact me at kliszlaw.com to discuss. Tim Klisz