Hit and Run Cases on the Rise in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach
The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting a statewide increase in the number of hit and run crashes. In 2015, there were 92,000 hit and run related crashes investigated by law enforcement in the State of Florida. The Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach areas have also seen their fair share of increases in hit and run crashes. In most cases, Florida makes it a crime to leave the scene of an accident. The nature and extent of property damage and/or personal injury will determine whether or not law enforcement will pursue either a misdemeanor or felony charges.
Why do people leave? Some people leave out of pure fear or panic. Others have attendant legal issues that will create additional legal troubles if they stay. Common examples are not having a valid driver’s license, having a suspended driver’s license, no insurance, an outstanding arrest warrant for an unrelated case or immigration-related concerns. Often times, people may leave the scene of an accident if they are under the influence or alcohol or a controlled substance and they fear being investigated for Driving Under the Influence.
As a result of the spike, law enforcement has become increasingly aggressive in their pursuit of investigating hit and run cases. More often than not, a witness will obtain a tag number and a description of the fleeing vehicle. These reports usually result in an unexpected visit by law enforcement to the address listed for the reported vehicle’s owner. Police agencies in the West Palm and Fort Lauderdale areas have also been known to mail very intimidating letters demanding a response within ten (10) days of receipt. These letters normally originate from the department’s “traffic homicide division” (even in cases not involving fatalities) and threaten a driver’s license suspension and other action for failure to comply.
For individuals who find themselves the subject of a hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident investigation, it’s crucial to seek the advice and/or representation from an experienced hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident attorney before making any contact with the police. Speaking with law enforcement without representation usually results in a significantly increased chance of facing criminal charges and the waiver of an individual’s constitutional rights.
If you believe that you are under investigation for hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident in the Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach area, do NOT engage law enforcement before contacting a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who can represent you for these serious charges.
We focus our practice on representing clients charged with serious traffic offenses in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach County, Broward County and the surrounding areas. For an immediate consultation contact the attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. Call 888-5-DEFEND.
