Basom, NY Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

Hire a criminal defense lawyer. Do not speak with the police about the case. Having witnesses will not convince the police not to arrest you because they don't want to be the ones to judge the matter. That is for the DA to do. P.S. The police asking you to come in is usually code for they are going to arrest you. Feel free to contact me if you are looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Thank you.

Depends on whether there was just damage to a vehicle or if there was an injury. Here are the two relevant statutes: Sec. 550.022. ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall: (1) immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than is necessary; (2) immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident; and (3) remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023. (b) If an accident occurs on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a freeway in a metropolitan area and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven, each operator shall move the operator's vehicle as soon as possible to a designated accident investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to complete the requirements of Section 550.023 and minimize interference with freeway traffic. (c) A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is: (1) a Class C misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is less than $200; or (2) a Class B misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is $200 or more. (c-1) A person commits an offense if the person does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (b). An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. (d) In this section, a vehicle can be normally and safely driven only if the vehicle: (1) does not require towing; and (2) can be operated under its own power and in its usual manner, without additional damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic, or the roadway. Sec. 550.021. ACCIDENT INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. (a) The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person shall: (1) immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible; (2) immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident; and (3) remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023. (b) An operator of a vehicle required to stop the vehicle by Subsection (a) shall do so without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. (c) A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of this section. An offense under this section: (1) involving an accident resulting in death of or serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, to a person is a felony of the third degree; and (2) involving an accident resulting in injury to which Subdivision (1) does not apply is punishable by: (A) imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than five years or confinement in the county jail for not more than one year; (B) a fine not to exceed $5,000; or (C) both the fine and the imprisonment or confinement.

Slander is defamation of character spoken by the tort feasor so you have correctly labeled it while libel is written defamation. It is a tort (civil wrong). In broad terms, it consists of telling a falsehood that harms the reputation of the other person, knowing (or not bothering to check) that the information is false. Every time the tort feasor repeats the slander, the victim has a new claim for slander. It sounds as though you have many counts of slander to assert against this person. However, beware that there is a one-year statute of limitations to sue, so delaying is not in your favor. Apparently you know of the slander because other people have called your old number and heard the lies. Each of these people should write down whatever they can remember about it date, time, what the person said, everything. This is so that you will know what evidence you have against this person, and who are the witnesses. It would be a good idea to consult with a local personal injury attorney to handle this for you, including making demand on this person to quit slandering you. Take all your evidence and listen to what the attorney advises. It's all right to get a second opinion, as well. If you have to sue, you (or your attorney) will have to serve the lawsuit on the defendant and prepare the case for trial. At trial, you will have to prove the slander and the damages. The defendant can assert defenses, including statute of limitations. Most cases settle before trial, but being prepared to go all the way is the best way to get a fair settlement. With few facts to go on, this answer cannot be considered specific legal advice, but only a statement of general principles. A visit to an attorney with all the evidence would be necessary for a full answer. No attorney-client relationship is intended or created. Good luck to you. I hope you can restore your good name.