I am not really involved in this occurance. I am asking on my roommate’s behalf.
My roommate was at his house (back in his MISSOURI hometown) and had several of his friends over. When one of his friends became intoxicated (underage) and wanted something to eat, he gave my roommate permission to drive his car to go to the store. My roommate then wrecked the car about 100 yards away from the house (it was mid-January, and there was black ice on the road). After he wrecked, he decided to walk back to the house because he did not have a cell phone on him. When he told his friend (still intoxicated), his friend said he would take care of everything the next morning. Unfortunately, local police found the abandoned, wrecked car first.
Come to find out, months later, my roommate was arrested for 3 charges. Apparently, his friend is accusing him of driving the car without permission.
His charges:
1. TAMPERING (1st degree).
2. RECKLESS DRIVING.
3. LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT.
How easy would it be for my roommate to get prove these accusations false? He cannot afford a private lawyer, but is worried that a public defender will not be able to help him as much.
My roommate’s case:
1. My roommate’s younger brother was witness to the car owner’s verbal permission to allow my roommate to drive. He also witnessed the car owner giving my roommate the keys.
2. It wasn’t reckless driving, it was on a very dangerous road in the middle of winter.
3. He left the scene to go back to the house to let his friend know because he did not have the cell phone. Foolishly, instead of calling the police right away, both he and his friend decided to wait until morning to take care of it.
Which charges do you think could be proven false?
Public defender vs. private attorney (remember, he can’t afford an attorney)?
Possible prison time, probation time, fines?
Any information or advice you can give me would help out immensely.
