Allegations that you have committed a hit and run in the Ft. Lauderdale area are serious matters. These accusations of criminal activity, if convicted, can create a criminal record and result in losing your license. In addition, these cases can also allow or require a court to impose a Jail sentence.
It is essential to be able to fight back against these allegations. Talking with a Lawyer today allows them to explore your options for building a Ft. Lauderdale hit and run defense. This includes disputing your role in an accident and even your knowledge that an incident resulted in property damage or physical injury. A hit and run Attorney at Leifert & Leifert is ready to protect you.
Laws that Allow for Hit and Run Prosecutions
District Attorneys pursuing hit and run cases must show that a Defendant violated each element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. As applied to hit and run cases, Florida Statute § 316.061 says that a driver must stop at the scene of a crash that results in any property damage. In addition, FL Stat. § 316.027 extends this concept to accidents that result in bodily harm and death.
Any conviction for hitting and running can bring harsh penalties. In cases alleging hit and run that involve property damage, the law considers this offense a Misdemeanor of the second degree. This means that convictions can result in up to 60 days in Jail and fines of up to $500. By contrast, hit and run cases that involve bodily injury are Felonies. Here, convictions are likely to result in a Prison sentence as long as 30 years. Understanding these laws and what a Prosecutor must prove to secure a conviction is vital when building a defense against hit and run allegations in Ft. Lauderdale.
Ways to Contest Hit and Run Allegations in and out of Court
Prosecutors always bear the burden of proving the elements of a criminal charge to a jury. This does not mean a driver should wait for a Prosecutor to build a case. It is vitally important to retain a legal advocate as soon as a person learns they are the target of a hit and run investigation.
One option is to contest involvement in an accident. If a Police Officer only has a partial license plate number at the start of an investigation, for instance, a Defendant might be able to argue their innocence by demonstrating that their plate does not match the information in question.
However, this will not always be possible. It may be necessary to raise a prospect of reasonable doubt in the jurors’ minds in other ways. One strategy may be to dispute the extent of a supposed victim’s injuries and their connection to an event. If a collision results in another driver stating that they were fine at a crash scene but later claiming symptoms, it may also work to argue that there was no reason to suspect injury at the time of an incident. A Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale could evaluate the facts of a case and help build a hit and run defense.
Speak with an Attorney About Building a Ft. Lauderdale Hit and Run Defense Today
Hit and runs are serious criminal cases where convictions can bring harsh consequences. If you have learned that you are the target of an investigation or have recently been arrested, it is critical to know how to promote an effective defense.
Some defenses can work to disprove your presence at a scene of a crash. A dedicated Attorney could also allege that another person was driving your vehicle. In other cases, you can work to show that another’s injury or property damage was not immediately apparent at a scene, justifying your leaving. A knowledgeable Legal Team could help you decide which strategy is best for you. Contact one of our Lawyers to start building a Ft. Lauderdale hit and run defense.
