Felony Hit-and-Run Case in Providence RI
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in Rhode Island Superior Court for:
- Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-5-2
- Driving so As to Endanger, Resulting in Serious Personal Injury, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 31-26-2
- Duty to Stop in Accident Resulting in Personal Injury, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 31-26-1
City, County and Court:
Providence, Rhode Island, Providence County Rhode Island Superior Court
Case Overview:
In July 1991, Providence Police were dispatched to a hit and run. Once on scene, officers found a male on the ground who had been struck by a motor vehicle that fled the scene. Eyewitnesses provided police with a description of the driver and vehicle that had struck the victim. This description was broadcasted over the radio and the vehicle fitting that description was stopped by police. Officers detained the occupants for a show-up identification procedure. The victim and eyewitnesses positively identified the vehicle and male occupants. They also identified one of the three men as the driver at the time of accident. As a result, this man was arrested and charged with felony assault, driving to endanger resulting in serious bodily injuries, and leaving the scene of an accident that involved personal injuries. The man, then a Johnson and Wales student was initially represented by a public defender. After graduation, he relocated back to California and lost touch with his attorney. The man was under the false impression that his case had been closed. After more than 20 years, during the United States Citizenship application process, the man learned of a warrant for his arrest in Rhode Island Superior Court. After conducting some thorough research, he retained Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him in this matter.
Case Result: Dismissed and Sealed
Attorney Calcagni and his team first coordinated the man’s travel to Rhode Island and voluntary surrender before the Court. This occurred without incident. The Court vacated the warrant and released the man on personal recognizance bail. Attorney Calcagni and his team then prepared a mitigation package on the man’s behalf for the prosecution’s consideration. After submitting this information, Attorney Calcagni and his team persuaded the Attorney General’s Office to dismiss this case. The matter has since been sealed, and removed from public record.