I have to go to court for a hit and run

[Halleberry]

Really stupid of me, I should have just left my info, but I didn't. There was a witness she took down my info, I got a ticket. Its a Misdemeanor in the state of VA, Alexandria City. Do you recommend I get an lawyer, or represent myself, I want to plead guilty.

[Killgannon]

get a lawyer anyway just so some dumbass judge doesnt fuck you over

[Tyche]

A lawyer will just tell you to plead guilty. Find out who the public prosecutor is and give them a ring ahead of time and see if you can't work out a deal for guilty plea. May get off with probation.

@guy above me. Judge will have very little to do with it, the prosecutor will be who you need to talk to.

[Khamsin]

Did the guy die, or did you speed off so fast you couldn't tell?

Was it dark, and was he wearing black clothing or something so that you could convince them you just didn't notice? Although you probably noticed the bump...

[jmc]

Did the guy die, or did you speed off so fast you couldn't tell?

Was it dark, and was he wearing black clothing or something so that you could convince them you just didn't notice? Although you probably noticed the bump...

If he died, poster would've been arrested instead of just a summons.

If you hit the car pretty good...and did a ton of damage, then it would be wise to get a lawyer. If not.... ring up the DA's Office like the other poster said, and work out a deal.

[Tyche]

I'd say he didn't hit a person Kham, but a parked vehicle. If someone died, it wouldn't be a misdemeanor.

[MarkM.]

I would try to plea the ticket down to the death penalty, preferably by firing squad.


Really though, get a lawyer would be my suggestion, it's pretty much a traffic violation, and they will be able to help you the most.

[HAcoreRD]

Definately get a lawyer.

The victim's lawyer will try fucking you for everything he/she can

[Tyche]

You don't need a lawyer for everything. A lawyer will do exactly what I just told you to do. They'll call the DA/prosecuting attorney and try to get it reduced. You can do that yourself. Getting a lawyer will almost assure a reduced fine, but calling yourself works more times than not. I wouldn't waste the effort on an attorney.

Also, I don't know where you are from, but some places don't have a judicial traffic court in the generic sense. New York comes to mind. I hope this didn't happen in NY, because you are pretty much fucked if it did. EDIT: Sorry, didn't really catch that you posted the location. I'm assuming it shouldn't be a big deal in a small community court system.

@ The poster abov me, this is a misdemeanor hearing, not a law suit. When/if the person whom he hit files suit, then get a lawyer. I'm assuming that insurance has already settled the dispute though.

[Intense]

I dont think a lawyer will just say to plea.. A PD yes, but a private attorney will prob tell you whatever he can you get you to hire him. ;P

[Halleberry]

I backed into her car on a street, small damages. She hasnt filed any complaints, and I filed it with my insurance so that is not an issue, im talking about just court. Calling the prosecutor sounds good, iIm going to look into that.

[Brill Weave]

I need more input on the situation before I can give any advice. I was involved in a hit and run a few months ago. I wasn't hit by the guy, but he put me into a guardrail and scraped up the passenger side of my brand new car. It was still considered a hit and run because he kept right on going the other way. Got the guy's plate and called the cops.

There's too many variables involved. Without knowing all the details it's too hard to give advice.

[Intense]

I backed into her car on a street, small damages. She hasnt filed any complaints, and I filed it with my insurance so that is not an issue, im talking about just court. Calling the prosecutor sounds good, iIm going to look into that.

I really dont think youll get ahold of anyone, but I hope Im wrong. Chances are they dont have a DA assigned to the case unless it goes to trial.

[Tyche]

If he's got a court date, he has a prosecutor. If by some freak chance you cannot A) find out who your prosecutor is, or B) get a hold of your prosecutor via phone or an office visit, FEAR NOT! Go to court, show up before 9am or whenever the time is, dress nicely, and just speak to the prosecutor when they call your name. Tell them you've contacted insurance and tried to patch your wrong-doing to the absolutel best of your ability. Ask them for some lienance on a guilty plea. Their alternative is assigning you a public defender or dealing with your attorney, on top of rescheduling a hearing. Costs the city a lot of money for all that shit. Unless you are dealing with total dicks who hate you, I cannot foresee a situation where this cannot be resolved in your favor without having to deal with getting an attorney.

[guartz]

they can't really prove you were there.

Innocent until proven guilty, that means innocent of all elements of the crime, including you being there. If you can somehow remotely show you weren't there..

then again, probably easier to just take the slap on the wrist.

definitely lawyer up.