April 8, 2026
Leaving the Scene of Property Damage
A responsible, decent young father-to-be was charged with Leaving the Scene of Property Damage. According to police, client was seen on video striking another vehicle and leaving after inspecting the damage. Client explained he did not notice the strike and had already called his insurance company believing it was a hit and run. When he received the citation, he was upset, scared and nervous—which was understandable given that he is a young father with no previous criminal charges. We immediately had him file the citation in court within 4 days which entitles the client to a magistrate hearing. We spent several meetings preparing for the eventual magistrate hearing, which included getting evidence of the repair that had since been paid. The prosecuting officer and clerk magistrate agreed at the hearing not to pursue the matter, resulting in nothing appearing on the client's CORI record.
Result: Criminal Complaint Does Not Issue Against Young Father-to-Be.