Legal Question in DUI Law in Washington

Hit and Run + Reckless driving

I was driving my parents car with 3 of my friends inside. We were going a little fast down a hill, and another car was in my lane so i swirved into his lane, up onto the curb and hit a tree + light pole. We just sideswiped the car into the tree and lightpost and went back to his house a couple blocks away. We were all shook up, but no injurys to speak of, the car that was in our lane didnt stop or anything. We didnt know it was a big deal to just leave the scene considering we just hit a tree (and when you crash your car you dont really think about injuring the tree outside someones house). Anyways, later that night a sherriff comes to the door and we are scared cause we finally realized that was hit and run. So we made up a story that someone stole the car and everything, I made a written statement saying that..

anyways, later that night the police somehow determined that didnt happen, and they charged me with hit and run, and reckless driving...

what should i do? i am really confused and any help would be nice.. thanks

BB


Asked on 4/05/02, 5:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jessie M. Archibald Attorney at Law

Re: Hit and Run + Reckless driving

If the officer cited you (gave you a ticket), your next court appearance is an arraignment. At your arraignment, you should just enter a not guilty plea when the Judge asks you how you plead. Since these are criminal charges pending, you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, let the Judge know and you can request that an attorney be appointed to represent you. Once your attorney is appointed, he or she can assist your in deciding how to resolve your case.

Read more
Answered on 4/05/02, 7:22 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Drunk Driving & DUI Law questions and answers in Washington