State vs. Ms. N. (DMC No. 9477) (Maricopa County Superior Court No. CR2009-175984): Ms. M. was driving along the freeway when she had passed another vehicle in the HOV lane. This vehicle was tailgating her and she tapped her brakes in order for him to slow down. As she was changing lanes to exit the freeway, she heard a noise behind her but did not know what it was. Police then left a message that they were trying to contact her regarding a hit and run accident with numerous injuries. We were eventually able to convince the prosecutor’s office to charge only an endangerment instead of the more serious of felony hit and run. Although endangerment was still a felony, we were able to work up the case and conduct a photo lineup with the alleged victim. He was not able to identify Ms. M., and the state agreed to reduce charges to a misdemeanor hit and run charge that involved probation and no jail time. Originally Ms. M. was facing a potential of 5-15 years in prison for an aggravated assault.
