Leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage is known as a hit and run. There are two types of leaving the scene charges. One is where someone leaves the scene of property damage. The other is where one leaves the scene of personal injury.
Client Testimonial
“From the start Attorney Donovan eased my anxiety about my hit and run with property damage charge. He explained how the process in court works, and what to expect. He met with me the Sunday before my hearing and thoroughly explained everything and gave me a chance to ask lingering questions. He never made me feel stupid and always made himself available. Very prompt, nice, smart, and real. He got my charge dropped and I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome.” Sara (Quincy District Court)
Leaving the Scene of an Accident Most Recent Wins
Client was charged in the Malden District Court with Leaving the Scene of Property Damage. This happened after the victim reported her car was hit overnight. Client’s license plate was found at the scene. He made no statements to the police. Client was summons to court. On the day of trial the Assistant District Attorney answered not ready for trial. Case Dismissed.
Client, 18, was charged in the Boston Municipal Court with Leaving the Scene of an accident. The client got into a minor car accident in Boston. Because the client had DACA status he faced possible deportation if he was convicted of the charge. Attorney Donovan successful resolved the case prior to the arraignment. CASE DISMISSED
Leaving the Scene of Property Damage Information
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 section 24 is the Massachusetts hit and run law. There are two elements of the Mass hit and run law. First, that the person drove a car upon a public way. And second, without stopping and making known his or her name, residence and the register number of his or her motor vehicle, did go away after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to the vehicle or property of another.
Leaving the scene of accident with property damage penalty in Mass is House of Correction imprisonment for not less than 2 weeks or not more than 2 years. There is also a fine not less than $20 or more than $200.
The Massachusetts RMV will suspend or revoke your driver’s license for 60 days if you are found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident.
Yes. The RMV will only suspend if you are found guilty. If your case is dismissed or continued without a finding there will be no license loss. Also the judge may recommend that the RMV does not suspend your license.
No. The law does not allow a subsequent leaving the scene of property damage charge to be filed or continued without a finding.
If both charges happened within 3 years the drivers license suspension is 1 year.
Yes. The RMV may revoke your registration of your car upon a leaving the scene charge if you own the car or have exclusive control of the car.
Are there legal defenses to the Massachusetts hit and run law?
YES. There are defenses to leaving the scene of the Massachusetts leaving the scene of property damage law. Knowledge is the most common defense to leaving the scene of property. The prosecutor must prove that the driver knew that they struck something. They must prove that the driver knowingly hit something.
Another defense to leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is whether the defendant was the operator the car. Oftentimes the person who left the scene was not seen by anyone.
You need to speak to a lawyer if you’ve been charged with leaving the scene of property damage. An experienced criminal attorney can make the difference in the outcome.
Ma Leaving the Scene of Property Damage Lawyer
Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer Patrick T. Donovan provides the best criminal defense for leaving the scene of an accident. Attorney Donovan represents clients charged with motor vehicle crimes including leaving the scene of property damage in Boston and throughout the state of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Criminal Attorney Patrick T. Donovan aggressively fights for the best possible outcome for each and every one of his clients.
