Why You Shouldn’t Repair Your Vehicle After A Bergen County DUI

After a Bergen County DUI arrest, there are many steps you should take. An obvious step is to contact an experienced defense attorney, and you might also want to remain silent until you have a chance to speak with your lawyer. However, there are also many things you shouldn’t do after a DUI arrest – particularly if your charges involve injuries or deaths. A recent case in Bergen County illustrates how a simple car repair can lead to additional charges.

Bergen County Faces Evidence Tampering Charges After Repairing His Vehicle 

In November of 2024, a man was arrested on numerous charges stemming from a DUI with injuries in Bergen County. The incident began when the defendant allegedly struck a 17-year-old at about 7:00 AM before fleeing the scene. The teen suffered “serious injuries,” according to first responders – and police eventually tracked down the defendant months later.

Law enforcement officials allege that the defendant intentionally repaired his Honda Civic in order to conceal damage caused by the impact. Although repairing your vehicle might seem like a perfectly justifiable thing to do, it can become a crime after a DUI of this nature.

The defendant eventually faced numerous charges, including leaving the scene of an accident with a serious injury, hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, and obstructing justice. It is likely that the last three charges specifically involve the defendant’s decision to repair his vehicle.

Intent Is an Important Element of Obstructing Justice 

Hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, and obstruction of justice all require intent as a necessary element. In other words, you cannot be convicted of these crimes if you never intended to hide your crimes.

In the context of a DUI with injuries, it is theoretically possible to hit someone and not be aware of the impact. This is particularly common for those who drive large vehicles, such as SUVs or pickup trucks.

For example, a driver might strike a child who dashed into the road on a dark morning. This driver may assume that they merely hit a pothole or an animal, and they may continue driving. After getting home, they may notice a dent on their vehicle where the impact occurred. As a result, this driver might take their truck or SUV to the shop to get repairs.

In this situation, the driver could realistically argue that they neither tampered with evidence nor committed a hit-and-run. Intent is an important element for both of these crimes.

Can a DUI Lawyer in Bergen County Help Me? 

If you face serious charges after a DUI in Bergen County, a defense attorney may be able to help. These legal professionals can help you fight for your rights in an effective manner. With help from a lawyer, there is no need to tamper with or conceal evidence. Work with Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law to fight for your rights confidently. Schedule a consultation with our New City criminal defense lawyers today to get started with a defense strategy.

Source:

dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/fairlawn/teen-seriously-injured-by-hit-run-driver-who-had-sedan-repaired-bergen-county-prosecutor-says/