If the Police have probable cause to conclude a crime has occurred, they have the ability under the law to make an arrest. As applied to incidents involving alleged hit-and-runs, this means Law Enforcement thinks you have left the scene of a collision that ended in property damage, physical injury, or death.
While an arrest can be a traumatic experience, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. In addition, you have rights under the law that Police Officers and Courts must respect. Understanding what will happen after a Pompano Beach hit and run arrest can help you preserve those rights and improve your chances of a better outcome in your case. A hit and run attorney can help you protect your rights.
Laws that Justify Arrests for Pompano Beach Hit and Runs
A pair of statutes under state law justify an arrest for leaving the scene of an accident. Florida Statute § 316.061 requires drivers to remain at the location of a collision that results in property damage, including damage to another vehicle, a building, or a fixture, such as a light post. State law states that not remaining at the scene of these crashes and providing information about oneself and one’s vehicle is a Misdemeanor offense.
Allegations that a person has left the scene of a crash that resulted in bodily harm or death are more serious. Under FL Stat. § 316.027, these offenses are Felonies where convictions often result in Jail time. Regardless of the exact nature of a Police Officer’s allegations, a hit-and-run arrest in Pompano Beach can come with severe consequences.
Steps to Take following a Hit and Run Arrest
The main job of Police Officers is to collect evidence that helps prosecute crimes. Because of this, they will take a strong interest in the activities of people after an apparent hit-and-run. If Law Enforcement has probable cause to make an arrest, they believe a trial will result in a conviction.
Police Officers will still attempt to obtain additional information about an incident. It is crucial to be careful when talking with Police, even if it is over the phone. A simple phrase like “I’m sorry” may lead to a jury taking this statement as an admission of guilt. Always recognize that you have the right to have an Attorney present during questioning, and you never need to provide more than basic information to Law Enforcement.
If Police make an arrest, they must bring a person before a Judge for an arraignment as soon as possible. If a hit-and-run arrest alleges a wreck involving property damage, the bail conditions are likely to be more lenient than in situations involving alleged bodily harm. A Pompano Beach attorney can help argue for appropriate bail terms that allow people to await the end of their case from the comfort of their homes after a hit-and-run arrest.
Talking with a Lawyer Could Help Protect Your Rights After Pompano Beach Hit-and-Run Arrests
An arrest can be a confusing experience, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Police can make an arrest for an alleged hit-and-run if they believe you failed to remain at the scene after a collision resulting in property damage or physical injury. While an arrest may seem like the end of an encounter with Police, Officers will still try to obtain additional evidence, often through aggressive interrogations.
Hiring an Attorney to represent your interests during these sessions can promote a more effective defense. In addition, a Legal Representative can argue for fair bail terms during an arraignment that help protect your driving privileges and ability to await trial from home. Speak with an Attorney at Leifert & Leifert now to learn more about Pompano Beach hit-and-run arrests.
