Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future
A charge for leaving the scene of an accident in Natick, MA, can have serious legal and financial consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, and a suspended driver's license. If you've been accused of hit-and-run, whether involving property damage or personal injury, you need an experienced Natick criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your future.
At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we have a proven track record of defending clients facing these serious charges. We will fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
📞 Call (857) 229-2442 today for a free consultation.
Understanding Massachusetts Law on Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 24, a driver must stop, provide personal and vehicle information, and report an accident involving property damage, injury, or death. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges.
There are two primary offenses related to leaving the scene of an accident:
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Leaving the Scene of Property Damage (Hit-and-Run)
Occurs when a driver fails to stop and provide information after causing damage to another vehicle or property.
Common examples:
- Hitting a parked car and driving away
- Colliding with a street sign, fence, or other public property
- Backing into another vehicle in a parking lot and leaving without reporting
Potential Penalties:
- Fines up to $200
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Possible driver's license suspension (Minimum of 60 days up to 1 year)
- Increased insurance premiums
-
Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Personal Injury
Occurs when a driver fails to stop and provide assistance after causing an accident that results in bodily harm. This charge applies even if the driver was not at fault for the accident.
Potential Penalties:
- Minimum sentence of 6 months in jail and up to 2 years in jail
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- Mandatory 1-year license suspension and possible indefinite suspension
If the accident results in death, the penalties increase significantly:
- Felony charge with mandatory minimum of 2 ½ years in jail (up to 10 years in state prison) or mandatory minimum of 1 year in jail (up to 2 ½ years in jail)
- Significant fines and a minimum of a 3-year license suspension with possible permanent license revocation
Common Reasons Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident
Many individuals charged with leaving the scene of an accident did not intend to commit a crime. Some common reasons for fleeing include:
✅ Panic or fear of consequences (especially in cases involving alcohol or an expired license)
✅ Not realizing an accident occurred (small bumps, minor damage)
✅ Confusion about reporting requirements
✅ Feeling unsafe at the scene (concern about aggressive individuals)
No matter the circumstances, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense—but there are strong defenses available.
How a Natick Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
At the Marin, Barrett and Murphy Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to build a strong defense and seek the best possible outcome.
Possible Defenses for Leaving the Scene Charges
🔹 Lack of Knowledge – If you were unaware you had been in an accident, we can argue that there was no intent to flee.
🔹 Mistaken Identity – Law enforcement often relies on witness accounts or surveillance footage, which can be inaccurate.
🔹 Medical Emergency – If you had a medical condition that caused you to leave, this can be a valid defense.
🔹 Fear for Personal Safety – If stopping at the scene would have put you in danger, we can present this as a legal defense.
🔹 Delayed Reporting – If you attempted to report the accident later, but were still charged, we can show that you made an effort to comply with the law.
What to Do If You Are Charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Natick
1️⃣ Do not speak to the police without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
2️⃣ Gather any evidence. If possible, collect witness statements, receipts, surveillance footage, or dashcam videos that can help your case.
3️⃣ Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of reducing or dismissing the charges.
The Legal Process for Hit-and-Run Cases in Natick
Where Your Case Will Be Handled
- Framingham/Natick District Court
- Address: 600 Concord St, Framingham, MA 01702
- Phone: (508) 875-7461
If your case involves a felony charge (serious injury or death), it may be elevated to Middlesex Superior Court.
Police Investigation
Hit-and-run accidents in Natick are investigated by:
Natick Police Department
20 E Central St, Natick, MA 01760
📞 (508) 647-9500
If law enforcement contacts you, do not answer questions without an attorney. We can handle all communications on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Massachusetts
The statute of limitations for leaving the scene of property damage or personal injury in Massachusetts is 6 years. This means the state has up to six years to file charges against you.
If significant time has passed since the alleged accident, we may be able to challenge the charges based on this legal deadline.
Why Choose the Marin, Barrett and Murphy Law Firm?
At the Marin, Barrett and Murphy Law Firm, we provide:
- ✔ Aggressive Legal Defense – We fight to get charges reduced or dismissed.
- ✔ Decades of Experience – Extensive experience handling Massachusetts traffic and criminal cases.
- ✔ Personalized Attention – We take the time to understand your case and develop a strong defense strategy.
- ✔ Proven Results – Successfully defending clients facing hit-and-run charges in Natick and beyond.
Contact a Natick Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyer Today
A leaving the scene charge can result in severe legal penalties—but we can help. At the Marin, Barrett and Murphy Law Firm, we work tirelessly to protect your rights, fight the charges, and preserve your future.
📞 Call (857) 229-2442 now for a free consultation.
📍 Office Location: 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
We are ready to defend your case and help you move forward. Call us today.
