As a driver, you have an obligation to remain at the scene of a motor vehicle collision. This is always the case when an accident involves a bodily injury or death. The failure to remain at the scene could result in hit-and-run charges.
When you have been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, you can face significant legal jeopardy. The penalties associated with this charge are serious, and they can follow you for the rest of your life. These consequences can differ depending on whether the accident involved property damage, bodily injuries, or fatalities. Let a dedicated defense Attorney advise you on hit-and-run penalties in Plantation.
Collisions with Property Damage
While many people think of hit-and-run accidents as always involving some sort of bodily injury, many of these collisions are related exclusively to property damage. Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is treated as a second-degree Misdemeanor upon conviction.
A second-degree Misdemeanor is not a Felony and does not carry the risk of lengthy Prison sentences. However, any criminal conviction for a hit and run in Plantation can have steep penalties. A second-degree Misdemeanor could result in a fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail. The state could also take steps to suspend that person’s driving privileges upon conviction.
There are cases involving car accidents with property damage that do not require the motorist to wait for the police to arrive. Under the law, the driver that strikes a parked car and cannot locate the owner can leave the scene under certain circumstances. First, the damage to the other vehicle must be less than $500. Second, the driver must leave a note for the owner of the car with their contact and insurance information.
Hit-and-Run Accidents with Bodily Injuries
The consequences associated with a hit-and-run accident are much higher when bodily injuries are involved. Unlike cases with only property damages, the law does not treat this offense like a Misdemeanor. Instead, leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injuries is always a Felony. Specifically, it is a second or third-degree Felony, depending on the severity of the losses.
As a Felony, these penalties are significant. A conviction could result in a five-year maximum Prison term, a fine of $5,000, or the revocation of driving privileges for up to three years.
Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident
The penalties for a hit-and-run accident in Plantation are especially significant in cases with fatal injuries. In this situation, leaving the scene is a first-degree Felony. A conviction could result in a minimum sentence of four years in Prison, with a maximum of 30 years. There is also the potential for a $10,000 fine and the revocation of driving privileges for three years. These penalties could also combine with any other charges related to the fatal accident.
Contact an Attorney About Hit and Run Penalties in Plantation
When facing allegations of a hit-and-run accident, you must build a strong defense. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, especially if the accident involves serious or fatal injuries. The right Attorney can help you build a defense that avoids a conviction entirely. Reach out to Leifert & Leifert immediately to discuss hit-and-run penalties in Plantation.
