I dozed off behind the wheel and bumped the car next to me. Damages totaled about $2000. Should I hire a local attorney or just represent myself in court? I'm a resident of NC, so I'm also curious if the points will come back to my record in NC? I also don't live far from the place of the accident, and I'm currently unemployed, so traveling to represent myself isn't a burden. I'm also not sure how to plea? Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! BTW, does anyone have any idea how much the fines are for wreckless driving versus careless driving.
GET A LAWYER. With a $2,000 accident, the other driver & passengers may decide that they have medical injury claim. Once, you are convicted, you are liable for civil damages that they will sue you for. Fight it now. Fight it hard. Will you insurance company help with the legal fight? Ask them? Read you policy with the fine print. Even without the civil law suit, you will have record that will show up on future employment or criminal record background search. You cannot negotiate with the prosecutor, but your lawyer can. Make sure that you or you insurance company has agreed to make full restitution before this goes to trial. By the way, when you posted your question on the internet, you admitted fault by stating that you dozed off. Lawyers will advise you to be careful what you say.
