My son (17m) turned left out of a parking lot. He was blocking the sidewalk and a pedestrian walked into the street to get around his car and when my son drove forward he knocked him down. The pedestrian got back up and went into the store. My son followed to make sure they were ok. They spoke and everyone seemed fine and my son went about his day. No info was exchanged and no video was taking of their interaction. A picture was taken showing my son talking to them so there is proof it wasn’t hit and run. A few hours later the cops show up because the pedestrian went to the police station to report him. Apparently he took a picture of the car and they tracked us down via license plate. The cops want him to go into the station to answer a few questions. The cops say my son did everything correctly so shouldn’t have anything to worry about. My paranoid brain thinks he should have a lawyer there or at least speak to one first. Am I being too paranoid? What do you all suggest?
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Get a lawyer, it’s murky water because he technically left the scene of a crime. Don’t trust the cops or whatever they tell you.
The cops are lying. Don’t talk to them without a lawyer.
Former Federal Law Enforcement here.
Always get a lawyer. Never talk to cops.
They teach this to you in the academy when you’re training to be a cop. 🤣
First call is to your auto insurance. They will provide legal defense if needed
If possible, never talk to cops without a lawyer
LAWYER
> The cops say my son did everything correctly so shouldn’t have anything to worry about
There is a reason the Miranda Rights are “anything say can and will be used against you”. Important to mention that nothing that you say to a police officer will be used in support of you because the police do not want to weaken their own case.
If the pedestrian was found to be injured, your son can be liable for the costs.
> no video was taking of their interaction
So, there is no proof that the accident actually occurred, other than the injured party’s word and your sons. Your son is going to talk himself into a criminal charge without a lawyer. Even if your son did it, it matters what the state can prove. Right now, it sounds like they can’t prove anything, or certainly want your kid to dig a better hole for himself.
The kid should absolutely be represented by a lawyer. Never speak to the cops without legal representation present. Yes, even if you’re innocent.
It’s bad that your kid did this, but if he goes to the police station without a lawyer he is going to talk himself into trouble, trouble that could be avoided if there is a lawyer present to help prevent the kid from accidentally incriminating himself. Even if the kid did hit the pedestrian it is very easy for a police officer to talk someone into admitting to a more major offense than what actually occurred and almost every adult cannot avoid this, let alone a child. Get a lawyer. They will ensure the kid gets a fair representation.
https://youtu.be/d-7o9xYp7eE?si=vKQsSHoOUjb8A_R4 Here is every reason why you should get a lawyer BEFORE talking to the police. The video is presented by a lawyer AND a cop, both agreeing with each other. I’ve made mistakes at that age that still legally haunt me 11 years later. Pleade proceed with caution.
I would get a lawyer.
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Never ever ever talk to cops without a lawyer.
As a former criminal defense attorney – get a lawyer. The people saying call your insurance carrier first are incorrect – they will provide you representation to protect their bottom line in civil litigation, not anything criminal.
The simple fact they want him at the station means the convo will be recorded, so it becomes evidence. Not saying he should talk to them on the door step either but if they are gathering evidence, on the record, is not a good sign and your son will absolutely say something he should not, or say it, or be made to say something in a way he should not.
Never trust the cops, they are never looking out for your best interests.
Absolutely get a lawyer!! Unfortunately, you can not trust the police.
Close reddit, pick up the phone, and call a lawyer right now.
Never talk to cops without a lawyer. This is fundamental.
RED FLAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get an attorney. This could ruin your son’s life.
Lawyer up. Always.
Get a lawyer and also loop in your insurance company
did you provide the victim or the cops with your insurance info?
expect a claim.
if not expect a lawsuit.
Are there situations where you can talk to the cops without a lawyer?
Dunno. But I would definitely check with a lawyer first to find out.
Yes, get a lawyer, now! Do not listen to anyone until you retain a lawyer.
Getting a lawyer is smart to cover all your bases.
Also wanted to jump in and say that a lot of times adrenaline keeps people from realizing how injured they are until later.
When I was in a car accident, I felt completely fine right afterwards, for awhile. If my mom wasn’t a medical professional, who warned me never to say, I’m OK and get checked out— I wouldn’t have known. I had whiplash until it was too late to be covered for it.
Also, your son sounds like a stand-up guy for checking on the pedestrian and not driving away! Obviously your insurance should cover the pedestrians injuries, so hopefully the lawyer will just help. Make sure the cops don’t do anything shady or try and make an example out of a kid who actually did the right thing. Good luck!
Do not ever speak to the cops
Get a lawyer.
Watch this video with your son: https://youtu.be/d-7o9xYp7eE?si=QRUhoI7mJae0I7Dk
IAL
Yes!
No harm can come from your son being represented.
Don’t let him go until you talk to an attorney.
If the police arrest him and force him to go to talk, tell him the only thing he should say is he wants an attorney and then he will talk with representation.
Make sure he does not say my parents think I should get an attorney or any thing wish washy. Just I want an attorney. Period.
Never talk to the cops without a lawyer, whether you’re in the right or the wrong.
NO DO NOT TALK TO THE COPS. Call your insurance company and they can advise you and even provide a lawyer if necessary. Regardless do not go to the station and talk to anyone. Your child’s a minor also so you’d need to go anyway.
Anytime you question whether or not you should lawyer up, ALWAYS LAWYER UP. That is always the answer. If you are wondering it, yes, it is something you should do.
I’m a lawyer practicing criminal law. You need to tell the police you’re arranging for your attorney and son to speak with them. Call a criminal defense lawyer and have them talk to the police on your son’s behalf ASAP and make sure they have the photo your son took proving it’s not a hit and run. You should get the video from the store your son went into also. And I hate to ask, but are your SURE your son is not lying to you?
They always come for you later after they google that an injury could net them 20k.