Hit & Run Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Being in a car accident can be a frightening and/or confusing experience, but it is always important to remain at the scene, render aid if possible, and call the police. If you fail to do so, you could face criminal charges that can impact your future, your ability to secure work, your ability to secure certain kinds of federal aid, and can even result in prison time. Leaving the Scene of an Accident often referred to as “hit and run” charges are very serious. If you are facing these charges, contact the hit-and-run lawyers at Direnzo Defense in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While any criminal charges can have an immense impact on your future, prosecutors and officers must have evidence to prove their case. In a hit-and-run case, prosecutors often have difficulty identifying who was driving the vehicle that left the scene of the accident. Unfortunately, sometimes innocent people face charges because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can protect your rights

The state of Florida is becoming increasingly tougher on individuals that leave the scene of an accident. Recently, Florida law has imposed a 4-year minimum mandatory prison sentence when a driver leaves the scene of a crash where there was a fatality. This same offense also involves a minimum 3-year driver's license revocation.

If you are facing hit and run charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the seriousness of your charges will depend on the severity of the accident and whether there were injuries or fatalities. According to Florida law, the consequences for a hit and run are as follows:

• A hit and run resulting in property damage will be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor with a possible sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

• A hit and run resulting in injuries will be charged as a third-degree felony and could result in a possible prison sentence of up to 5 years and a 3-year revocation of your driver’s license.

A hit and run resulting in serious bodily injury will be charged as a second-degree felony and could result in a possible prison sentence of up to 15 years and a 3-year revocation of your driver’s license.

• A hit and run involving a fatality will be charged as a first-degree felony with a possible sentence of 30 years in prison (including a 4-year minimum mandatory prison sentence) and a 4-year revocation of your driver’s license.

What to Do if You Hit a Parked Car in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

One of the more common hit-and-run accidents occurs when individuals hit a parked car. In fact, according to one insurance study, as many as 69% of all hit and run accidents involve parked cars. Many people may not know what steps to take or they may fear the consequences of reporting their accident. Here are some steps you can take if you have hit a parked car:

• Stay on the scene. You could face a misdemeanor charge if you leave the scene of an accident with damages. You could face license suspension, community service, fines, and have to live with a criminal record. If you can find the owner of the damaged car, then you should do so, otherwise, you are legally obligated to leave a note with your contact information. Find a way to secure the note so that it is not blown away by the wind and take a photo of the note on the car so that you have some evidence you tried to let the owner know. Be aware that most parking lots have cameras. Take proper steps to let the owner of the car know about the accident.

• Keep your note clear. Provide your name, address, contact information, and offer simple facts about what occurred in the accident. Be aware that anything you say can be used against you later, so keep it simple. When in doubt, you may want to contact your lawyer.

• Make the note visible. Under the law, the note must be placed in a “conspicuous location.”

• Take photos of the damage. You don’t want the owner or the car insurance coming after you for damage you didn’t cause. Take photos of the damage to your car and to the car in question. And, if there are people who witnessed the accident, see if you can get their contact information as well.

• Call your insurance company. Your insurance may be able to cover you for damage to your car and to the other vehicle.

• Call the police. If you have caused damage to the other car, you must call the police to protect yourself from hit and run charges. In some instances, you are required to contact the police if the damages exceed a certain financial threshold. If you are not sure about the seriousness of the damages, call the police.

If you are facing criminal charges for an accident, Direnzo Defense's hit-and-run lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who can help you fight for your rights in court. We can review the evidence against you and offer you a plan for defending your case. In some cases, hit and run charges are levied because individuals weren’t aware of the seriousness of the damage to the other car or they weren’t aware they had to call the police. If you are facing criminal charges, you may be frightened and confused. The consequences of even a seemingly small hit-and-run charge can be very serious. Contact Direnzo Defense today to protect your rights.

Standards for Proving Hit and Runs or Leaving the Scene of An Accident in Florida

If you are facing criminal charges, the hit-and-run lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Direnzo Defense may be able to help you. The state of Florida must prove that you left the scene of the accident “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that the prosecutor must prove certain things in establishing a hit-and-run case.

If the prosecutor is unable to meet their burden of proof, your charges may be able to be dropped or reduced. For instance, you may have tried to leave a note, but the note blew away due to high winds. Perhaps you simply weren’t aware that a crash took place. In some cases, individuals are aware they were in a crash but simply weren’t aware that there was damage or that a person was injured. There are many possible hit-and-run defenses. If you are facing charges, contact the hit-and-run lawyers at Direnzo Defense today. Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida lawyers can fight for justice and to protect your rights.