(561)988-8000 Leaving the Scene of Crash Case Resolved Without Conviction, Probation, Points, or License Suspension
Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage / Unattended Property (Fla. Stat. §316.063(1)) – Coral Springs, Broward County, Florida
Leifert & Leifert represented a client charged in Broward County with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage following a parking lot accident investigation conducted by the Coral Springs Police Department. Prosecutors alleged that the client backed her vehicle into a parked SUV in a commercial parking lot located at Westview Drive in Coral Springs and then left the scene without providing the information required under Florida law.
According to the traffic crash report and charging documents, law enforcement alleged that the client was operating a black 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 when, while backing out of a parking space, the rear bumper of her vehicle collided with the right rear bumper of a parked 2024 Lincoln Navigator. Investigators alleged that the collision caused damage to the parked vehicle, including damage to sensors located in the rear bumper area.
Police reports further alleged that:
- the owner of the parked vehicle had briefly entered a nearby Target store,
- an anonymous witness left a handwritten note on the victim vehicle identifying the Mercedes and license plate,
- and the client allegedly departed the area before law enforcement arrived.
The investigating officers later traveled to the client’s residence in Coral Springs, where they allegedly attempted to contact the driver through family members before eventually making direct contact with the client. According to the police narrative, the client acknowledged that she had been involved in a minor collision and stated that she briefly spoke with an unidentified individual at the scene who allegedly advised her there was no damage to the other vehicle before she departed.
As a result of the investigation, the State Attorney’s Office formally filed a misdemeanor charge for Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage pursuant to Fla. Stat. §316.063(1).
The allegations exposed the client to serious consequences, including:
- a criminal conviction,
- probation,
- fines and court costs,
- points on the client’s driving record,
- increased insurance consequences,
- and a potential driver’s license suspension.
After being retained, Leifert & Leifert conducted a detailed review of:
- the crash report,
- body worn camera evidence,
- witness information,
- scene details,
- and all discovery materials provided by the State Attorney’s Office.
The defense carefully analyzed the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the relatively minor nature of the contact, the absence of injuries, the client’s statements regarding her understanding that no significant damage had occurred, and mitigation factors relevant to the prosecution and ultimate resolution of the case.
Through strategic advocacy and negotiations with the prosecution, Leifert & Leifert was able to secure a highly favorable resolution substantially limiting the long-term impact of the allegations.
RESULT: Leifert & Leifert successfully resolved the case without any criminal conviction, probation, driver’s license suspension, or points being assessed against the client’s driving record.
OUTCOME: The client avoided the substantial consequences typically associated with a criminal traffic offense involving leaving the scene of a crash and was able to move forward without probation, loss of driving privileges, or a criminal conviction.
This case demonstrates the importance of experienced representation in traffic and criminal driving-related offenses, particularly where a seemingly minor parking lot accident can quickly escalate into a criminal charge carrying significant collateral consequences. Through careful review of the evidence, mitigation, and strategic negotiation, Leifert & Leifert was able to obtain a resolution that protected the client’s record and driving privileges.
