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Leaving the Scene with Death

Failure to comply with the driver’s duty to give information and render aid required under Florida Statute § 316.062 is a criminal offense in Florida. The possible consequences of leaving the scene of an accident or a committing a “hit and run” crime will depend on the damage caused in the crash, and accidents resulting in injuries are felony offenses.

Death is undoubtedly the worst possible outcome in these types of cases, and thus results in the most serious of possible criminal charges. A person who is accused of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in the death of another person can face the possibility of decades in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

Attorney for Leaving the Scene with Death Defense in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you were arrested or you think that you might be under investigation for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death in Palm Beach County, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. aggressively defends clients accused of traffic crimes in communities throughout Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, and Broward County.

Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your case, including possibly having the criminal charges reduced or dismissed. You can have our attorneys review your case and help you understand all of your legal options as soon as you call (561) 557-8686 to set up a free, confidential consultation.


Palm Beach County Leaving the Scene with Death Information Center


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Leaving the Scene with Death Charges in Florida

Under Florida Statute § 316.027(2)(c), the driver of a motor vehicle who is involved in a crash occurring on public or private property that results in the death of a person is required to immediately stop his or her vehicle at the scene of the crash or as close thereto as possible and remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of Florida Statute § 316.062. Any violation of this statute is a first-degree felony.

People who have been previously convicted of violations of Florida Statute § 316.027 or a violation of Florida Statute § 316.061, Florida Statute § 316.191, or Florida Statute § 316.193, or a felony violation of Florida Statute § 322.34 have to remain in custody until a bail hearing can be scheduled.


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Leaving the Scene with Death Penalties in Florida

When a person is charged with a first-degree felony leaving the scene of an accident offense in Florida, a conviction can result in a sentence that includes the following punishments:

  • Minimum of four years up to 30 years in prison
  • Fine of up to $10,000

Florida Statute § 316.027(2)(e) also requires a person convicted of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to have his or her driver license revoked for a minimum of three years.


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Leaving the Scene with Death Resources in Palm Beach County

Standard Jury Instructions Criminal Cases | Florida Supreme Court | Chapter 28: Transportation Offenses — View the full text of standard jury instructions for leaving the scene of a crash offenses. Chapter 28.4 covers Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death or Injury offenses. You can also find instructions for hit and run crimes involving property damage.

Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016) — After concluding that a driver’s vehicle may be “involved in a crash” under Florida Statute § 316.027 when a passenger separates from a moving vehicle and lands on the roadway or adjacent area, the First District Court of Appeal certified to the Supreme Court of Florida a question of great public importance concerning whether a violation of the statute requires a collision with the driver’s vehicle. The Florida Supreme Court answered the question in the negative after concluding that the operative phrase “any vehicle involved in a crash” means that a vehicle must collide with another vehicle, person, or object. The Supreme Court of Florida quashed the district court’s decision and remanded the case to the district court for application of The Supreme Court’s decision.


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Find a Leaving the Scene with Death Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Do you believe that you could be under investigation or were you already arrested for allegedly leaving the scene of a crash causing death in South Florida? No matter how confident you are in your innocence, do not say anything to authorities until you have first contacted Meltzer & Bell, P.A..

Our criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale represent individuals in communities all over South Florida, including Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, and several others. Call (561) 557-8686 or complete an online contact form to have our lawyers provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.


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