AboutTerry Godchaux Expertise I can answer questions about vehicle safety issues, vehicular counter-terrorism training, police pursuits in general (specifically for California), emergency response in general (specifically for California), criminal justice, and police academy training.
Experience I have recently retired as a Deputy Sheriff from California. I have served in Patrol and special Investigations.
My last position for 10 years was assigned to our Regional Training Center at the Sheriff's/Police Academy. I taught at the Academy and administrated the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). I also was a subject matter expert and served as a member of CalPOST.
My specific training and expertise resides in vehicle operations, vehicle safety, code-3,pursuit, and counter-terrorism operations.
Organizations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for EVOC
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for Simulations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for the Sheriff’s and Police Academy
Former Instructor for the Las Positas College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Instructor for San Joaquin Delta College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Lead Instructor for EVOC at the ACSO Police Academy
Publications
Numerous within the S/O I had worked for.
Education/Credentials
Baccalaureate Degree
Management and Administration Certificate
Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Intermediate California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate
California P.O.S.T. Crises Management
California P.O.S.T. Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Advanced Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Environmental Engineering School
California P.O.S.T. Drug Recognition Expert
California P.O.S.T. DARE Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Tactical
California P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Awareness Instructor (DAI)
California P.O.S.T. Pursuit Driving Training Instructor (DTI)
California P.O.S.T. Basic Motorcycle School
California P.O.S.T. Motorcycle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Tactical Vehicle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Dignitary Protection Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Counter-Terrorist Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Simulator Instructor
California P.O.S.T. P.I.T. certification
Barricade Braking certification
Past/Present Clients I currently work as a contract Instructor for the Jutice Department/MPRI when training needs concerning EVOC arise outside of the U.S.
Question Hi, I have a dilemma and I need help! Okay, I *think* I may have been involved in a hit-and-run...I was driving home in a rainstorm recently and at night. There was roadwork going on and three lanes were merging down into two. I was waiting my turn to move over and some car slowed down to let me in. I began to move in and for SOME INTENSELY ODD REASON this person sped back up squealed ahead of me and I felt a very light bump. I was not at all sure if I had hit this person. The rain was pelting and the bright night-work lights were flashy and obnoxious. I think I saw this particular person slide off to the side of the road but I couldn't get over there because of the cluster of traffic. I had no choice but to keep rolling. When I got home I checked out my car and there is absolutely no sign that I hit anyone. No dent, no scratch, no nothing. But if I had hit the person...could I get in trouble as a hit-and-runner? If they caught my plate number and reported me could I go to prison? I'm not even sure I *did* hit anyone. I was in my new SUV and it's HUGE, I'm still not used to it, so it could have just been the kick-back of the brakes as I slammed on them. I don't know, that's the bottom line. But if I did cause any damage and if they did get my plate number am I a criminal? And what should I do? Call the police and just give them a heads-up that someone may report me? I have no proof any of this even occured...like I said, my car is in perfect condition.
What does this sound like and what should I do?
Please help!
Thank you!!
Answer Hello Laura and welcome to AllExperts!!
Firstly, hit and run is not a felony, but a misdemeanor, and is a specific intent crime. This means you had to KNOW that you were involved in an accident and purposely failed to stop and exchange information. Given the facts, you had no purposeful intent to violate the law or victimize another driver. Just a suggestion however, it is always best to error on the side of caution and stop as soon as possible, allowing the other driver to find you.
If one is found guilty of this offense, assuming it was purposeful, jail time could be given, but is far more likely that a hefty fine and a misdemeanor would go on your record. You could get probation as well.
I would recommend you advise your local law enforcement office, asking for a report of the incident. This will show your honesty and unintentional failure to comply with the law. Having done that, I wouldn't worry about anything else.
