Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Framingham State University
Defense in Framingham District Court for College Students
Leaving the scene of an accident is not just a traffic issue in Massachusetts — it is a criminal charge that can cost a Framingham State University student their driver's license, their clean record, and even their housing or enrollment.
Me and my team here at the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett defend students charged in Framingham District Court while also protecting them from Framingham State University discipline. One mistake in a parking lot or on a city street should not destroy a young person's future.
What Leaving the Scene Means Under Massachusetts Law
Under M.G.L. c. 90 § 24, any driver involved in an accident must:
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Stop immediately
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Provide their name, address, and insurance
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Report the crash when required
Failing to do so — even if the damage is minor — is a crime.
There are two types of charges:
Leaving the Scene – Property Damage
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Fines
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Possible jail
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License suspension
Leaving the Scene – Personal Injury
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Mandatory license loss
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Potential jail time
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Criminal record
Even tapping a parked car and driving away can trigger these penalties.
How Framingham State Students Get Charged
These cases commonly come from:
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Campus parking lot accidents
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Off-campus collisions
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Striking a parked car or bike
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Panicking and leaving without reporting
College students often do not realize how serious this charge is until police contact them days later.
Framingham District Court Process
Your child will be required to appear in Framingham District Court for:
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Arraignment
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Bail or release conditions
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Pretrial hearings
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Possible trial or negotiated resolution
The Registry of Motor Vehicles is notified and may suspend the license even before the case ends.
Framingham State University Consequences
Framingham State treats criminal driving offenses as violations of its Student Code of Conduct. A student may face:
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Conduct hearings
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Housing restrictions
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Suspension
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Disciplinary records
These actions are separate from the court case and can proceed even if the charges are later dismissed.
Parent & Student Questions
Will my child lose their license?
Possibly. We fight to prevent or shorten suspensions whenever possible.
Can they stay in school?
Only if the situation is handled carefully in both court and university proceedings.
Do we really need a lawyer?
Yes. This is a criminal charge, not a ticket. One mistake can follow your child for years.
Defense Strategies We Use
Me and my team build student-focused defenses by:
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Showing the driver did not know a collision occurred
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Demonstrating fear, confusion, or panic
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Proving no injury or minimal damage
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Negotiating for diversion or dismissal
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Protecting the student in school disciplinary proceedings
Why Choose the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
Me and my team here at the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett know how to defend students facing:
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Criminal traffic charges
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License suspension
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University discipline
We fight to protect:
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Driving privileges
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Criminal records
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Education
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Futures
Call Now to Protect Your Child's Record
Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
📍 572 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
📞 857.229.2442
If your Framingham State University student is facing a Leaving the Scene charge, call us now. The earlier we step in, the more we can do to protect their future.
