In Massachusetts, being involved in an accident is often handled as just a civil matter – that is why people have insurance.  However, sometimes an accident can have criminal consequences.  There are a number of possible criminal offenses associated with being involved in an accident and causing property damage, injury, or death.  Some of these offenses include:

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• Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Property Damage

• Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Personal Injury

• Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death

• Negligent Operation

• Motor Vehicle Homicide by Negligent Operation

• Vehicular Homicide

• OUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury

• OUI Causing Death

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As you can see, you can be charged for leaving the scene of an accident, even if you just drive down the street or return shortly thereafter.  That is because Massachusetts imposes a duty on all drivers to immediately stop and provide registration and license information if you have been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident.  All of the above charges carry criminal consequences and significant license suspensions.  In addition, there is a mandatory minimum of incarceration as part of a Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death, OUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury, OUI Causing Death, or a Vehicle Homicide sentence 

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It is important to hire a lawyer experienced in leaving the scene of an accident and negligent/drunk driving types of cases as soon as possible.  The police often conduct an investigation into motor vehicle offenses and provide an offender with a citation at some point after the alleged offense, which allows you to request a clerk’s hearing rather than proceeding straight to an arraignment.  You have a very limited time frame to request a clerk’s hearing, so time is of the essence.  Attorney Thaler has years of experience in both prosecuting and defending motor vehicle offenses involving injury, property, or death.  There are a number of legal issues that often arise in leaving the scene of an accident and vehicular homicide cases in Massachusetts, including violations of the “no fix” law and problems with how the Commonwealth filled out or filed the citation.  Attorney Thaler is well-versed in these types of issues and will review the facts and circumstances of your case with you to evaluate whether there are any motions that can be filed to contest the case and to determine how best to proceed for the best possible result for you.