If I lent someone my car and the police found drugs in it, what can happen to me?
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If I lent someone my car and the police found drugs in it, what can happen to me?
I loaned my car to this girl who hit a parked car and jumped out and ran. The cops got the car and then found drugs in it. Can they hold me responsible for the drugs? Also, what is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident?
Asked on November 29, 2011 under Criminal Law, West Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
1) Leaving the scene of an accident--if you were not in the car, then you would not face criminal liability for doing this.
2) Can the police hold you "responsible" for the drugs--not unless they believe that you had something to do with them (i.e. you're not responsible simply because someone else had drugs and happened to be in your car). Of course, if drugs were found in your car, they may well believe that they are yours and you could face charges (e.g. for possession). You should consult with a criminal defense attorney about this matter in detail.
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