Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Tampa

What happens if you're caught leaving the scene of an accident in Florida?

In Florida, it is a crime to leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident. There are three levels to the offense of leaving the scene. The severity of the offense depends on whether or not the accident caused an injury or death.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida that Results Only in Damage to a Vehicle or other Property

To convict an accused of leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida Resulted Only in Damage to a Vehicle or other Property, the prosecutor must prove:

  1. The accused was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident.
  2. The accident resulted only in damage to a vehicle or other property.
  3. The vehicle or other property was driven or attended by a person.
  4. The accused failed to stop at the scene of the accident and remain there until he had given his identifying information.

A conviction for leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida Resulting Only in Damage to a Vehicle or other Property is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of:

  • 60 days in jail
  • 6 months of probation
  • $500 fine

Leaving the Scene of An Accident in Florida Resulting in an Injury

To convict an accused of Leaving the Scene of An Accident in Florida Resulting in an Injury, the prosecutor must prove:

  1. The accused was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accidentresulting in injury to any person.
  2. The accused knew that he was involved in an accident.
  3. The accused knew, or should have known of the injury to the person.
  4. The accused failed to stop at the scene of the accident and remain there until he had given his identifying information.

A conviction for Leaving the Scene of An Accident Resulting in an Injury is a third-degree felony punishable by a maximum of:

  • Five years of imprisonment
  • A $5,000.00 fine
  • 5 years of probation

Leaving the Scene of An Accident in Florida Resulting in Death

To convict an accused ofLeaving the Scene of An Accident Resulting in Death, the prosecutor must prove:

  1. The accused was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accidentresulting in the death of a person.
  2. The accused knew that he was involved in an accident.
  3. The accused knew, or should have known of the injury or death to the person.
  4. The accused failed to stop at the scene of the accident and remain there until he had given his identifying information.

A conviction for Leaving the Scene of An Accident in Florida Resulting in Death is a first-degree felony punishable by a maximum of:

  • 30 years of imprisonment
  • A $10,000.00 fine
  • 30 years of probation

Possible Defenses to Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida

  1. Identity - The prosecutor must prove that the accused was the person driving when the vehicle left the scene of the accident. Just because the accused's vehicle was involved in the accident does not mean that the accused was the person driving.
  2. Lack of Knowledge that a Crash Occurred - In order to be guilty of Leaving the Scene, the accused must know he was involved in an accident. For example, in parking lot accidents, an accused may not even have realized he struck another vehicle.
  3. The Accused Was Unable to Stop or Remain at the Scene of the Accident - Even after minor accidents, tempers can flare and people can become violent. Sometimes, persons involved in an accident must leave the scene for their own safety in order to avoid a confrontation.

Are you looking for the best criminal defense lawyer in Tampa Florida to represent you in a Leaving the Scene of an Accident charge?

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney David C. Hardy is a former prosecutor that now represents persons accused of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He is Board Certified by the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy as an Expert in Criminal Trial Law. As a prosecutor and defense attorney, he has extensive experience handling Leaving the Scene of an Accident charge.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Hillsborough County Florida, Pinellas County Florida, or Pasco County Florida, contact Attorney David C. Hardy has the knowledge, skills, and experience to guide you through this process and obtain the best possible results.