Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyer in Florida
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Understanding Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charges
Leaving the scene of an accident is a severe criminal offense. Florida Statutes 316.027, 316.061, and 316.063 require drivers in an accident involving death, injury, or property damage to immediately stop and remain at the scene. They must provide their content information and offer reasonable medical treatment and assistance to injured people. Failing to comply with state law can trigger misdemeanor or felony charges, depending if it’s an accident involving bodily injury or death.
You need immediate legal assistance if charged with leaving the scene of an accident. A skilled criminal defense lawyer at The Ticket Fighter Law Firm increases your odds of a favorable outcome. We will explain the charge details for leaving the scene of an accident, possible conseqeuences, and build a vigorous defense.
The Ticket Fighter Law Firm enjoys a strong reputation as a trusted legal advocate for Floridians facing accident involving injury charges Our criminal defense attorneys guarantee no points, no school, and no court (Terms & Conditions). We won’t stop defending you against hit-and-run charges. Contact our aggressive defense attorneys now for immediate assistance at (407) 476-5120.
Criminal Penalties Under Florida Statutes
Florida penalties for hit-and-run depend on the degree of harm and damage in the car accident:
Accidents Involving Property Damage
Accidents with property damage are a second-degree misdemeanor. You facr up to 60 days in jail, six months probation, and a $500 fine. The state charges six points to your driver’s license upon conviction.
Accidents Involving Injury
Accidents involving injury are a third degree felony. A hit and run conviction may lead up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a maximum $5,000 fine for a third degree felony. Accidents involving severe bodily injury, including personal disfigurement, are a second degree felony. You may receive up to 15 years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine for a second degree felony.
Accidents Involving Death
Accident involving death are a first degree felony punishable by 30 years in prison, with a four-year mandatory minimum prison term. The fine is up to $10,000. Your driver’s license will be revoked for at least three years.
If you leave the scene involving injury or death, do not render reasonable assistance, and were drunk, the mandatory minimum sentence is two years.
How a Lawyer Can Help in Hit-and-Run Cases
Leaving the scene of an accident in Florida can lead to jail time, fines, and probation. The state may suspend your driver’s license for up to three years. Such severe consequences mean you should retain a Florida criminal defense attorney immediately.
The Ticket Fighter can assess your case facts and determine if you violated the law. They will ensure that the prosecutor meets their burden of proof, such as failing to stop and providing aid or information.
Your criminal defense lawyer will pinpoint weaknesss in the prosecutor’s case, such as insufficient evidence that you knew the accident caused damage or injury (established by the Florida Supreme Court in State v. Dorsett, 2015).
The Ticket Fighter may explore other defenses, such as lack of damage or fleeing because of fear of personal safety. For example, if your accident didn’t cause obvious damage, your scene of an accident lawyer may argue you didn’t have a legal duty to stay at the scene.
The attorney may negotiate with the state prosecutor to lower the charges or penalties, possibly obtaining a plea bargain for a misdemeanor. A dismissal might even be possible. They can represent you in state court, cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and present mitigating facts to reduce penalties.
How It Works
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Contact us by phone, text, or online message to get a quote to represent you on your traffic ticket. We work on a flat fee basis, no hidden costs.
We take it from there
You can hire us over the phone or by online payment through our secure client portal. This is also where you see all documents concerning your case. Once you hire there is nothing else you have to do, we take care of the entire process.
Wait for Results
Normally within 24 hours of your hearing we publish the results to the online portal. The portal sends an email whenever we add or change anything so you won’t miss any important messages we send.
Building a Strategic Defense
A skilled criminal defense attorney will develop a robust defense strategy tailored to the details of your case. The Ticket Fighter Law Firm may consider one or more of these defenses:
Lack of Accident Knowledge
You may have been unaware of the car accident or injury. Florida law requires the prosecution to prove that you knew or should have known about the crash and the resulting property damage or injury.
For example, if you lightly bumped an SUV in a parking lot but didn’t notice the impact, you may not have been aware of the incident. This may be a robust defense in minor collisions where damage is not immediately obvious. However, the viability of this claim hinges on the extent of visible damage. The judge or jury may question if you could reasonably be unaware of a significant collision.
No Property Damage or Injury
You may not have known that the crash caused property damage or injury. Florida law requires remaining at the scene if there was damage or injury. If the crash caused no damage, you cannot be convicted of leaving the scene.
This defense requires convincing evidence, such as photos of the vehicles or witness testimony. If the crash caused no injuries, you could argue you had no reason to stay, especially if the vehicle was unattended and you left a note.
Medical Necessity or Incapacitation
What if you left the scene to seek immediate medical attention for themselves or a passenger? This can be a defense, with sufficent proof. For example, if you sustained injuries that damaged your ability to remain at the scene or required urgent care, you may be exempt from the obligation to stay
You must offer convincing evidence, like medical records or hospital admission documents, showing you sought treatment immediately after the accident. If you were physically or mentally incapacitated, due to a concussion, shock, or a pre-existing condition, your attorney may argue that you didn’t have the capacity to leave the scene on purpose.
Lack of Evidence or Misidentification
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you wer the driver who left the scene. A defense of misidentification can work there is insufficient evidence linking you to the vehicle or the accident.
For example, if the prosecution relies on a vague witness description, fuzzy surveillance footage, or no direct identification of you, your attorney may argue that the police charged the wrong person. Additionally, if you have an alibi supported by witnesses or evidence like time-stamped receipts or GPS data, this can damage the prosecution’s case. This defense is effective where the state lacks physical evidence.
The experienced Ticket Fighter lawyers will review you case today to identify the best defense to the charge of leaving the scene of an accident.
Don’t Let a Ticket Derail You
Whether it’s speeding, a red‑light camera, toll violation, or suspended license – your driving record matters. Our skilled attorneys defend Florida drivers like you every day, reducing points, avoiding fines, and keeping you on the road.
What to Do If You’re Accused of Leaving the Scene
You need to act quickly and strategically if accused of leaving the scene of an accident in Florida. The accusation can trigger serious consequences, including a driver’s license suspension, plus jail time and fines, if convicted. The severe potential consequences require the following actions:
Remain Silent
Don’t speak to the police without a criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. Florida’s accident report privilege may not apply in hit-and-run cases, making your statements admissible.
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to help you during police interrogations, evaluate evidence, and develop a defense strategy. Avoid discussing the incident with anyone else, including insurance companies, until you’ve talked to a lawyer. If police contact you, politely state you want to remain silent and request a lawyer. A Ticket Fighter hit and run lawyer will help you manage communications with accident investigators and prosecutors. This ensures you do not say something to damage your defense.
Collect Evidence and Documents
Extensive evidence and documentation are critical to your defense. If you know of the accident, gather any proof that supports your storey: photos of the scene, vehicle damage, or road conditions, and note details like weather or witnesses.
Your leaving the scene lawyer will help obtain additional evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements, to strengthen your defense. A common defense is lack of knowledge. For example, if the collision was minor and you didn’t notice it, this could be a valid defense, especially in a low-impact crash.
Hire a Hit-and-Run Lawyer Immediately
An expeirenced Ticket Fighter criminal defense lawyer will review the evidence of leaving the scene and seek any prosecutorial weaknesses. They can explore pre-trial diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements, which may lead to dismissed charges if you complete certain conditions, especially for misdemeanor cases.
They can also negotiate with prosecutors to avoid a conviction, which is critical since a guilty verdict can impact employment, housing, and military service due to a criminal record. If you’ve already been arrested or received a notice to appear, contact our Florida criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case and take aggressive steps to avoid conviction.
Why Choose Ticket Fighter for Your Florida Hit-and-Run Defense?
The Ticket Fighter Law Firm is a top Florida criminal defense firm for leaving the scene of an accident charges. Our experienced hit-and-run lawyers offer the following benefits when facing criminal charges:
Experienced Defense for Leaving the Scene Charges
Ticket Fighter offers proven skill in Florida traffic law, including hit-and-run cases. With a deep understanding of Florida Statutes that govern hit-and-run offenses, our attorneys craft defenses tailored to the specifics of your case. Their experience with thousands of traffic cases, including successful dismissals of hit-and-run charges, ensures you have a knowledgeable advocate who will challenge evidence, question officer observations, or argue lack of intent.
A Track Record of Results
Ticket Fighter prioritizes a seamless, stress-free experience for our hit-and-run defense clients. We offer a streamlined process so you can hire us fast online, access a client portal for case updates, and avoid court appearances. Client testimonials highlight our success, such as dismissing a hit-and-run ticket for a minor accident with no points, fines, or court fees. For example, a commercial truck driver client praised Ticket Fighter for dismissing a ticket from a non-fault accident for just $99. This outstanding case result ensured that the CDL driver maintained a clean driving record.
Personalized, No-Judgment Support
We understand that good people are often charged with serious crimes. Whether you made an error or were wrongly accused, our hit-and-run lawyers treat every defendent with confidentiality and respect. We will always fight for the best outcome in your case.
Free Consultation to Evaluate Your Leaving the Scene Case
Don’t wait. The earlier we get involved after you were charged with leaving the scene, the better we can protect your rights. Contact Ticket Fighter today for a free case review.
When you’re freedom is at risk, hiring The Ticket Fighter Law Firm as your criminal defense lawyer is your wisest decision. The Ticket Fighter DUI lawyers guarantee no points, no school, and no court (Terms & Conditions). We never stop pursuing justice for you. Contact our proven Florida defense lawyers now for a free consultation. Call (407) 476-5120.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Crashes
Is leaving the scene of an accident the same as a hit-and-run accident in Florida?
Leaving the scene of an accident and a hit-and-run accident in Florida are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same legal concept under state law. Both terms describe a driver involved in a crash failing to stop, provide required information, or offering reasonable assistance as required by Florida Statutes.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a misdemeanor exception in Florida?
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in Florida. Whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or a more severe charge depends on the specific circumstances of our case. Extent of damage or injury are critical to how the incident is charged. Exceptions and defenses exist. However, leaving the scene isn’t treated as a minor infraction and can carry significant penalties.
Will I go to jail for leaving the scene of an accident?
Possibly. The severity of the penalties for a hit and run hinges on factors such as whether the accident involved property damage, injuries, or fatalities, and whether you fulfilled your legal obligations as a driver. Florida law requires drivers involved in any crash to stop, provide assistance, and exchange information, and failing to do so can result in criminal charges.
Will my driver’s license be suspended if I leave the scene?
Possibly. It depends on the severity of the accident. For example, if you hit an unattended vehicle, the law states you must stop and attempt to locate the owner of the property or leave a note with your contact information and report the crash to law enforcement. Not doing so is second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and the possibility of driver’s license suspension.
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