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.

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 taking certain actions required by Florida law, 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)

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, 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 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.

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.