(561)988-8000 How Long Does a Hit-And-Run Investigation Take in Florida?
The length of a hit-and-run investigation in Florida depends on the circumstances and available evidence. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months, even up to a year or more, depending on the circumstances and level of severity.
A hit-and-run is a serious crime and can result in Felony or misdemeanor charges. Police investigations involve gathering evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, and charging the at-fault driver. When you are accused of abandoning the scene of a crash, contact one of our seasoned criminal defense Attorneys in Leifert & Leifert for legal assistance.
Florida Hit-and-Run Basics
If you leave the scene of a car collision without leaving your identifying information, insurance, or rendering aid, this is considered a hit-and-run and may turn into an investigation. Your first responsibility is to stop your vehicle, return to the scene, and remain there until you provide personal information and aid to the other driver. In addition, you must give your information to the police at the accident scene or shortly thereafter.
As described by Florida Statutes § 316.062, before you can leave the scene, you must provide the following:
- Your name
- Home address
- Vehicle registration number
- Your driver’s license or permit (If requested)
- Insurance information
- Render aid if needed
Some exceptions exist if the other driver is incapacitated or if you hit an unattended car, but reporting your information to the police is always required. Additionally, it is also vital to secure medical treatment for injured parties, such as calling for an ambulance.
Investigations into Alleged Hit-and-Runs
If a hit-and-run is well-documented, the police investigation could take minimal time. For example, if several eyewitnesses can confirm the car’s license plate number or make and model and identify the driver investigators will be able to quickly determine who committed the crime.
With less initial information, police may rely on other evidence to discover the hit-and-run driver’s identity and bring charges. For example, they may look at the following:
- Matching paint chips and damage left on the injured party’s car
- Traffic surveillance footage
- Vague, less-detailed eyewitness accounts
Many hit-and-runs go unsolved, and those that are must be brought by police as criminal charges within a certain timeframe. For hit-and-runs charged as misdemeanors, the State must bring charges within one year of the incident. Felony charges can be brought within three to four years under Florida Statutes § 775.15.
Police investigations must be fully or mostly complete by this time to successfully charge and convict a driver of hit-and-run. This sets an outer limit to the process unless an exception extends the time for filing charges.
Penalties for a Hit-and-Run
The context of a hit-and-run will determine the severity of consequences for leaving the scene. For car crashes that seriously injure or kill another person, hit-and-run becomes a Felony under Section 316.027, while wrecks that damage property are misdemeanors under Section 316.061.
Penalties for hit-and-run range from a few months in jail and a relatively small fine to up to 30 years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and losing your driver’s license for at least three years.
When you face an investigation or charges for a hit-and-run in Florida, it is important to understand how long the process might take and crucial steps during that time. A Leifert & Leifert lawyer can provide more information through a free consultation.
How Long Do the Police Look for a Hit-and-Run?
There is no fixed timeline for how long police will actively search for a hit-and-run driver in Florida. The length of an investigation depends on the seriousness of the crash and the amount of evidence available.
In many situations, an investigation can last weeks or even months. However, the police prioritize cases based on severity. While law enforcement may expend significant resources after a fatal crash, it is unlikely they will do more than a brief investigation for minor property losses.
Early in the process, officers focus heavily on gathering evidence from the scene and nearby areas. The investigation usually unfolds quickly if the police find strong evidence, like the license plate number of the fleeing driver.
Florida law also places time limits on when charges must be filed. For example, misdemeanor hit-and-run charges generally must be filed within one year, while felony charges may be filed within several years.
In some situations, police may contact a suspect within days. In others, they may follow leads over a longer period or reopen the case if new evidence appears. It is important to remember that even when an investigation slows, new information could kick the case into high gear.
If you are under investigation, you should not assume the case will simply disappear with time. Law enforcement may still be building a case behind the scenes.
What Evidence Do Police Use When Investigating a Hit-and-Run?
One of the factors that can impact the length of a hit-and-run investigation is the available evidence. The more information the police have, the faster the investigation might be. Having a clear picture of what the police are looking for can be invaluable during the defense of a hit-and-run accident case.
Surveillance Footage
Video evidence is often one of the most important tools in a hit-and-run investigation. Police look for traffic cameras, nearby business security systems, and even residential doorbell cameras. Video can provide the police with information on the direction the driver was traveling and might even capture their license plate number. These videos can also provide the police with the make and model of the vehicle.
Witness Statements
Officers usually speak with anyone who saw the crash or the vehicle leaving the scene. Witnesses may describe the car, the driver, or the events leading up to the accident. One of the major benefits of having witness statements is that juries give a lot of weight to the testimony of neutral third parties.
Physical Evidence from the Scene
Police carefully examine the crash site for physical clues. This can include broken parts, paint transfer, debris, and damage patterns on the victim’s vehicle.
For example, paint chips or fragments left behind can sometimes be matched to a specific type of vehicle. These details can point investigators in the right direction.
Public Tips and Follow-Up Leads
In some cases, police rely on tips from the public. This is especially common in situations where the police are unable to respond to the scene of the accident immediately after the crash. Someone may recognize a damaged vehicle, report suspicious behavior, or provide information after seeing news coverage.
Find Out How Long Florida Hit-and-Run Investigations Take Today
To learn more about hit-and-run investigations in Florida and how long they take, one of our hardworking lawyers at Leifert & Leifert can provide additional insight into your unique case.
Our team ensures you have all the information you need to know about hit-and-runs. Call for an initial consultation today and let us fight to get you the best possible outcome.
