Felony Leaving the Scene
The legal duty of all Florida motorists to give information and render aid is established under Florida Statute § 316.062. Violations of this statute are known as leaving the scene of accidents, colloquially referred to as “hit and run” crashes.
While some violations are misdemeanor offenses, certain types of leaving the scene crimes can result in felony charges. In such cases, alleged offenders face the possibility of longer prison sentences and bigger fines.
Lawyer for Felony Leaving the Scene Defense in Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you think that you could be under investigation or you were already arrested for a felony leaving the scene of an accident offense in South Florida, you should refuse to speak to authorities until you have legal representation. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. defends clients in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, Greenacres, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and several other communities in South Florida.
Our criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale can fight to possibly have your criminal charges reduced or completely dismissed. You can have our lawyers provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (561) 557-8686 to set up a free initial consultation.
Palm Beach County Felony Leaving the Scene Information Center
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Felony Leaving the Scene Charges in Florida
Under Florida Statute § 316.027, the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash occurring on public or private property that results in injury to a person is required to immediately stop at the scene of the crash or as close thereto as possible and remain at the scene until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of Florida Statute § 316.062. A violation of this statute will be graded according to the severity of the injury suffered by the accident victim.
Florida Statute § 316.027(1)(a) defines a serious bodily injury as “an injury to a person, including the driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.”
If a driver leaves the scene of a crash resulting in injury to a person other than serious bodily injury, the crime is a third-degree felony. When the crash results in a serious bodily injury, leaving the scene is a second-degree felony offense. If a crash results in death, a person who leaves the scene of the crash will be charged with a first-degree felony.
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Felony Leaving the Scene Penalties in Florida
The statutory maximum sentences allowed for people convicted of felony leaving the scene offenses depends on the specific grade of felony they were charged with. Courts can generally order people to serve the following sentences when convicted:
- Third-Degree Felony — Up to five years in prison and fine of up to $5,000;
- Second-Degree Felony — Up to 15 years in prison and fine of up to $10,000; or
- First-Degree Felony — Up to 30 years in prison and fine of up to $10,000.
Florida Statute § 316.027(2)(e) also states that a driver convicted of any of the three types of aforementioned violations will have his or her driver license revoked for at least three years.
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Felony Leaving the Scene Resources in Palm Beach County
Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) | Investigative Bureau — The mission statement of the FLPD reads, “Provide a safe and orderly environment in our city through professionalism, dedication, an active partnership with the community and concern for individual dignity.” Visit this section of the FLPD website to learn more about the agency’s investigative bureau. Find additional information about the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Investigation Division, and Street Crimes Division.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W. Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 764-4357
Active Hit and Run Cases | Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — On this section of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, you can access information about active hit and run cases by respective troop counties. Palm Beach County is in Troop L along with Broward County, Indian River County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, and St. Lucie County. Clicking on a county will allow you to view the date, time, and location of recent incidents as well descriptions of the events and possible contact information.
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Find a Felony Leaving the Scene Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
Were you arrested or do you believe that you might be under investigation for a felony hit and run offense in Palm Beach County? Do not make any kind of statement to police until you can contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A..
Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers represent individuals in communities all over Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade County. Call (561) 557-8686 or complete an online contact form to have our lawyers review your case and answer all of your legal questions during a free, confidential consultation.
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