Switch to ADA Accessible Website
Orlando Criminal Lawyer

A Comprehensive Guide To Hit And Run Accident Criminal Charges In Florida

HitRun3

In Florida, all motorists involved in a traffic collision are required to stop their vehicle, exchange information with other parties, and remain at the scene of a crash—except to get care for a medical emergency. The failure to do so could lead to an arrest and a serious criminal charge for a hit-and-run. In this article, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer provides an in depth guide to hit and run charges in Florida.

Criminal Law in Florida: What is a Hit-and-Run (Leaving the Scene of an Accident)? 

A driver involved in a crash in Florida has to stop their vehicle, exchange information, and remain at the scene of an accident until their statutory obligations are fulfilled. A driver violates the law if they “hit-and-run” after a crash. Leaving the scene of an accident without justification is a criminal offense in Florida. 

An Overview of Criminal Penalties for a Hit-and-Run in Florida 

In Florida, a hit-and-run violation may be charged as either a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense. The primary factor that will depend on the severity of the charge is the severity of the crash. Here is an overview of the criminal penalties for a hit-and-run (leaving the scene of an accident) in Florida:

  • Hit-and-Run (Property Damage Only): Under Florida law (Florida Statutes §316.061), a hit-and-run in a property damage only crash is a second degree misdemeanor offense. It is punishable by up to two months in jail and a $500 fine.
  • Hit-and-Run (Injury Reported): A hit-and-run is more serious if someone is hurt in the crash. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 316.027(2)(a)), a hit-and-run is a third degree felony punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if someone is hurt in the accident.
  • Hit-and-Run (Serious Bodily Injury Reported): A hit-and-run is enhanced to a second degree felony if someone suffers serious bodily harm. In Florida, this is defined as an injury that could lead to permanent impairment or loss of a bodily member or organ. A third degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
  • Hit-and-Run (Fatal Accident): A hit-and-run in a fatal crash can carry a first degree felony charge in Florida. It is a very serious offense that could carry maximum criminal penalties of up to 30 years in prison. Further, there is a mandatory four year minimum sentence under the law.

Contact Our Central Florida Hit and Run Accident Defense Attorney Today

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer has the professional skills and legal expertise to defend clients facing both misdemeanor and felony hit and run charges. If you or your loved one was arrested on a hit and run charge, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. From our Orlando law office, we provide criminal defense representation to clients throughout all of Central Florida.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Miami

Miami Office

1200 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1410
Miami, FL 33131
Office: 305-999-5100
Fax: 305-999-5111
Orlando

Orlando Office

250 N Orange Ave, Suite 750
Orlando, FL 32801
Office: 407-705-2626
Fax: 407-705-2625

Email Us

Fields Marked * Are required

DISCLAIMER: Completing and submitting this form or otherwise merely contacting The Baez Law Firm or any individual at the firm will not establish an attorney/client relationship. Our firm cannot represent you until we determine that there would be no conflict of interest and that we are otherwise able to accept representation of your case. Please do not send any information or documents until a formal attorney/client relationship has been established through an interview with an attorney and you have been given authorization in the form of an engagement letter with The Baez Law Firm. Any information or documents sent via this form or otherwise prior to your receipt of an engagement letter will not be treated as confidences, secrets, or protected information of any nature. Submitting information regarding your potential case will not bar The Baez Law Firm from representing or continuing to represent a person or entity whose interest are adverse to your in condition with your case.

protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms
Please review the highlighted fields. They are required.
DISCLAIMER: This website contains information about The Baez Law Firm that includes testimonial statements from persons who are familiar with the firm's services. The testimonials shown are not necessarily representative of every person's experience with us. Testimonials from every client are not provided. As no two situations or persons are identical, the facts and circumstances of your situation may differ from those for which testimonials are shown. This website also includes information about some of the past results that we have obtained for our clients. Not all results are provided, and the results shown are not necessarily representative of all results obtained by us. No two situation are exactly alike; every person's situation is unique and the outcome for each person depends on the individual facts.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
MileMark Media - Practice Growth Solutions

© 2015 - 2024 Baez Law Firm. All rights reserved.
This law firm website and legal marketing are managed by MileMark Media.

Contact Form Tab Contact Form Tab