In late January, country music singer Emmylou Harris was charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors with a hit and run. The charges come from an accident which is alleged to involve Ms. Harris’ vehicle and another vehicle on the freeway. Prosecutors allege that Harris hit the other car, and then left the scene without exchanging any information.
Someone like Emmylou Harris who is famous, might going have a team of lawyers on standby just in case something like this were to happen to her. But, there are plenty of other people who are involved in hit and run accidents and DUI’s who aren’t quite so lucky.
In the State of California, motorists who are involved in an accident are required by law to stop and exchange information. This is even the case when a car hits a parked vehicle in a parking lot. Those accidents that involve no injuries and just vehicle damage are misdemeanor hit and run charges, which is exactly what Ms. Harris was charged with in this case.
Because Ms. Harris is alleged to have not stopped at the scene of the accident and exchange her information with the driver involved, she may likely face repercussions from the State if found guilty. These penalties range from a monetary fine, to a suspended driver’s license, to even jail time if the case is severe.
Being charged with an offense like a hit and run can have long lasting negative consequences on your record, not to mention the financial consequences of court fees and fines, or the inconvenience of a suspended license. If you find yourself in a situation where you have been charged with a hit and run, the best thing you can do is contact an attorney right away.
California law is very explicit on the penalties for a hit and run offenses, so this type of situation needs an experienced attorney who knows how to handle these types of cases and works diligently to perserve your rights and freedom. A famous country music star, like Emmylou Harris, has exactly the same rights in court as you: that is why you want to be sure to work with an attorney who is going to take your case seriously right from the start.
Working with an attorney who has experience in both misdemeanor and the more serious felony hit and run cases means that you do not have to go through this entire process by yourself. It can be scary and intimidating to have to try to navigate the legal system on your own, especially if there are extenuating circumstances around your own situation, or you were unsure of your rights at the time you were charged.
The Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin will be able to help you if you find yourself in a situation similar to Ms. Harris. The firm has a variety of very highly skilled Beverly Hills attorneys and Los Angeles County attorneys who are going to be able to work through your hit and run case with you and fight for the best possible outcome.
