Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

This happend in Virginia. My 16 year old son is charged with leaving the scene of an accident. it happend on 10/31 we just received a summons today 1/4. The officer did not charge him at the time. The vehicle was unoccupied and there was about 1400 damage. About a week after the accident we found out my son was not actually driving, an unlicensed friend had taken his vehicle while he was asleep and caused the accident, of course the day of the accident we thought he was lying that he didnt know what happened. The other kid had been in some trouble and we did talk to his parents and he admitted to driving and hitting the other car (he is unlicensed), because the officer was unsure about filing charges we waited a week or so and nothing from the police, we decided because of the kids history and the fact that we thought our son wasnt going to be charged we wouldnt tell the police about the other kid driving. now we are faced with our 16 year old being charged with a class 5 felony. any adivce what we should do?


Asked on 1/04/10, 2:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Tell the cop(s) investigating the matter about the other kid's alleged involvement along with your reason(s) for the delay in reporting it.

Read more
Answered on 1/10/10, 7:44 am
Michael Sprano The Sprano Law Firm, LLP

You need to find a lawyer for your son as soon as possible. The consequences of felony charges are very serious, even for juveniles.

Your son has a good defense but it will need to be presented the right way. The other child and his parents can be interviewed and, if necessary, subpoenaed to testify for your son.

Read more
Answered on 1/11/10, 7:55 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Virginia