A Cape Cod teen was back in court Monday to face a Massachusetts vehicular homicide charge, three days after fleeing court during her arraignment, the Boston Globe reported.
Gina Giovangelo was ordered held on $500,000 bail, three days after she fled the courthouse while awaiting arraignment for the hit-and-run death of a woman in a wheelchair. Giovangelo's situation underscores that bail is meant to ensure a defendant's appearance in court. In many cases with serious criminal offenses, a defendant may not have to post any bail or may have a relatively low bail because the defendant does not have any history of not showing up at court. It is clear that a high bail was necessary given that even a 10, 000 bail did not ensure Giovangelo's appearance in court as she forfeited the bail by fleeing from court. When a court sets bail, the court considers a number of factors set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276 Section 58. These factors include, ties to the community, prior criminal record, including prior record of defaults or not appearing for court, record of drug convictions, violations of 209A restraining orders as well as the seriousness and nature of the offense for which the defendant is charged and the potential penalty.
Giovangelo is charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Vehicular homicide is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under Massachusetts law.
She was scheduled for arraignment on Friday but never returned to court after a cigarette break. She was initially released from jail on a $10,000 bond. The judge said she must forfeit that money as a result of fleeing, according to the Boston Herald.
She was arrest at a Wareham motel after police received a tip about her location. She reportedly fled into the woods and was captured after a 45-minute chase.
Two friends at the hotel, Cameron Byers, 20, and Jordan Robinson, 20, were charged with being accessories after the fact, according to the Boston Globe. Both pleaded not guilty.
The teen is charged in the death of a 47-year-old woman who was crossing North Street in downtown Hyannis, when she was struck in her wheelchair by a hit-and-run driver. A passenger in Giovangelo's vehicle reportedly told police the teen fled despite knowing she had hit someone because a pocketbook hit the windshield.
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Michael DelSignore is an aggressive defense attorney experienced in representing clients facing all types of serious driving charges, including Massachusetts OUI charges and charges stemming from drunk driving accidents.
The Law Offices of Michael DelSignore are conveniently located in Stoughton, Attleboro, Framingham and Westborough.
Call (508) 455-4755 for a free consultation, 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
