Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

Nick Hogan is being booked on criminal charges related to his Aug. 26 car crash – while his attorneys tell PEOPLE, "We are confident the evidence will demonstrate that this was an accident."

Hogan, 17, turned himself in Wednesday on a charge of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury. A source close to the Hogan family tells PEOPLE that Nick will be tried as an adult.

In August, Hogan's yellow Toyota Supra careened off a four-lane highway in Clearwater, Fla., and crashed into a 25-ft.-tall palm tree. Hogan sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital the next day.

His passenger and friend, John Graziano, 22, was critically injured in the crash and remains hospitalized.


Bollea Family Statement
Nick Bollea's attorneys, Morris "Sandy" Weinberg Jr. and Kevin Hayslett, released the following statement to PEOPLE:

"Nick and the entire 'Hogan' Bollea family are saddened that criminal charges have been filed in regards to the tragic single car accident on August 26, 2007. Nick will meet and answer these charges in the appropriate arena – a court of law. The family's primary focus and concern still remains for the continued recovery of Nick's longtime friend John Graziano. The Bolleas will also continue to stand by the Graziano family and help them in any way they can.

"The tragedy to both families is compounded by the fact that unfortunately John was not wearing his seatbelt. Thankfully, Nick was wearing his. Because of what happened to John, the entire Bollea family will make it a priority to increase public awareness about the importance of always wearing your seatbelt.

"There has been much speculation as to the speed and wet road conditions surrounding this accident. Although all the evidence has not been evaluated, preliminary reports from the experts indicate that this was not, in fact, a high-speed accident.

"Because Nick is still a juvenile and has no prior criminal record, we are disappointed that he is being charged as an adult offender. However, we are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that this was an accident. We ask all who follow these events to keep an open mind as to the facts until they have been ultimately determined. Finally, we thank all who have prayed for John's recovery and ask for your continued support and prayers."

Message edited 11/7/2007 12:06:06 PM.

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

who is Nick Hogan? is he on a tv show?

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

I didn't realize he was only 17...

He seems much older on the show. I thought he was at least 20.

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

WOW, I didn't realize the kid was still in the hospital. Terrible.

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

I was wondering what was going to happen with that. I feel really bad about what happened to his friend. I remember when the show first started he had that Supra before he even had a license!!

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges

He should be charged. I don't personally give a flying hoot about hearing from the Hogan family about the importance of wearing seatbelts. It might've helped if they taught their own son a few things instead of "increasing public awareness" while they strut their toolish selves in front of yet another camera. Pathetic!

Re: Nick Hogan to Face Criminal Charges