Nothing induces panic quite like a car accident, especially if you're the driver at fault. Such incidents can cause us to act irrationally and make poor decisions that we later regret. Unfortunately, many times we don't get a second chance to do the right thing. In the meantime it can be easy to build on those original mistakes.
A woman suspected of causing a fatal car accident in Portland, Oregon, has been arrested and is expected to be charged with manslaughter, hit-and-run, tampering with evidence and driving under the influence of intoxicants, among other possible charges. But also implicated are her brother, a friend and her boyfriend, who authorities say helped her evade the charges.
The woman is accused of striking a pedestrian in her car at the end of March. The victim was found lying in the road and had died by the time emergency responders arrived. Tips eventually led police to the suspect driver, who was arrested in Bellingham, Washington, in recent weeks.
Her brother and a friend riding in the passenger seat during the accident were arrested, too, on charges of hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. Police suspect both helped try to cover up the crime, and said the damaged vehicle was found on the friend's property. A neighbor reported seeing people trying to fix the car during the night.
Also arrested was the suspect's boyfriend, who was with her when she was arrested in Washington. Authorities believe he may have helped her flee Oregon after the accident, and is thus facing the same charges as the woman's brother and friend.
We rely on our friends and family to help us out of tough situations in life, but covering up crimes must be the exception. No matter how much you fear the legal trouble that awaits you, criminally involving those close to you usually only hurts them.
If you're the person trying to protect a loved one, you should keep in mind that evidence tampering and hindering prosecution are serious crimes that carry their own penalties, and being convicted won't do anything for the person you're trying to help. You can do a better job of supporting your friend or family member by encouraging them to face the impending legal troubles head-on, perhaps even recommending an attorney who can provide the effective criminal defense he or she will need.
Source: Northwest Cable News, "Prime suspect's boyfriend arrested in deadly hit-and-run," June 6, 2012
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