Arizona Criminal Charges After Major Accident that Injured 7
A major accident that shut down Valley Freeway earlier this week resulted in 7 people being seriously injured and one driver being charged.
Twenty-nine year old Geraldo Morales-Morales is facing charges of human trafficking, money laundering, several charges of aggravated assault, and may even face charges for leaving the scene of an accident.
Police believe all 7 victims in the accident were undocumented immigrants.
The white SUV being driven by Morales was driving southbound on Interstate 17 when it appeared to lose control and roll over repeatedly. Six of the seven injured were ejected from the vehicle and the other one was pinned within it, having to be cut out by emergency personnel.
Four of the victims were flown to area hospitals while the remaining 3 were transported via ambulance. Reportedly, all 7 faced life-threatening injuries.
Immediately following the accident, Morales fled on foot. He was eventually arrested about a mile from the scene near a payphone by the Carefree Highway.
Facing criminal charges for an auto accident isn’t all that unusual. The charges that Morales faces, however, are very serious.
Charges like Reckless Driving or Hit & Run are far more common, though they also can carry fairly serious penalties.
Both Reckless Driving and Aggressive Driving (road rage) are class 1 misdemeanors and carry a potential 6 months in jail in addition to fines and potential license suspension.
Hit and Run is considered a felony when there are injuries involved. Depending on the extent of the injuries, a hit and run charge can be penalized with up to 2 ½ years in prison.
Regardless of the charges you are facing, if you are going in front of a judge, you are likely intimidated and worried about the potential outcome. Contact me to discuss the details of your case and I can give some guidance on what to expect on your day in court.
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