Tampa DUI Hit and Run Defense Lawyer

Tampa DUI Hit and Run Defense Attorney

A DUI hit-and-run charge in Tampa is a serious offense that carries severe legal penalties. If you’re facing allegations of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, it’s imperative to reach out to a Tampa DUI hit-and-run defense lawyer. The team at Jeff Marshall Law can safeguard your rights and build a strong defense for your case, aimed at minimizing these charges and their overall impact on your life.

DUI Hit-and-Run Charges in Tampa

A DUI hit and run occurs when the driver is allegedly under the influence of alcohol or drugs and is involved in an accident. Then, they leave the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations to the other party. Under Florida law, drivers involved in an accident must remain at the scene, provide their information, and give aid to any injured parties as necessary. Failing to do this can intensify the charges against you, especially if the injuries are serious or fatalities occur.

Florida reported 104,273 hit and-run accidents in 2023, which resulted in 271 fatalities and 871 serious injuries. Most of these were victims who were pedestrians or riding bicycles at the time of the accident. It’s estimated that 77% of all hit-and-run accidents in the country occurred because of an intoxicated driver.

In Florida, DUI hit-and-run cases fall under two primary statutes:

• Florida Statute 316.061. This law addresses leaving an accident scene that only involves property damage. A conviction can result in fines, license suspension, and jail time.
• Florida Statute 316.027. This statute covers hit-and-run accidents involving death or serious injury. If the person is injured, the charge becomes a third-degree felony, with penalties of up to five years in prison. If a fatality occurs, the charge could be upgraded to a first-degree felony, which involves very serious sentencing.

Convictions for a DUI hit and run in Tampa could include one or a combination of the following penalties, depending on the severity of the accident:

• Jail or prison time
• Heavy fines
• License suspension or revocation
• Criminal record
• Civil liability
• DUI and substance abuse treatment programs
• Community service
• Ignition interlock device

A DUI conviction, combined with a hit-and-run charge, can lead to even more enhanced penalties, such as license suspension, increased fines, and mandatory ignition interlock devices.

How a Tampa DUI Hit-and-Run Defense Lawyer Can Help

The team at Jeff Marshall Law has a thorough understanding of Florida’s laws involving hit-and-run accidents and the legal challenges you could face when up against these charges. Once hired, we can perform a thorough investigation of the accident and develop a personalized defense strategy.

When scrutinizing the evidence, we can examine

• Whether law enforcement had probable cause to suspect you
• The accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results
• Any witness statements
• Surveillance footage

Procedural errors made by law enforcement could lead to an acquittal. DUI charges require strong evidence from field sobriety tests. If there are signs of errors or tampering, we can challenge the overall validity of the DUI charge.

The prosecution must prove that you knowingly left the scene. However, if you were unaware that an accident occurred, did not realize there had been injury, or did not see the damage caused, we can argue that you had no real intent to flee.

In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you. We could also seek a plea deal that avoids a felony DUI conviction or minimizes the penalties you’re facing.

What to Do If You Are Charged With a DUI Hit and Run

If you’re accused of a DUI hit and run in Tampa, it’s important to take the right steps to help your case:

• Do not admit fault, and avoid making any statements to law enforcement or insurance companies without first consulting an attorney.
• Gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, and get contact information from witnesses.
• Seek legal representation immediately

The Tampa DUI hit-and-run defense lawyers at Jeff Marshall Law can guide you through the legal process. Our team can provide the strongest chance of reducing or eliminating your charges.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does a Hit-and-Run Investigation Take in Florida?

A: The length of a hit-and-run investigation in Florida varies based on the available evidence, witness statements, and the Tampa Police Department’s resources. Minor cases with clear at-fault evidence, such as license plate identification or surveillance footage, take less time to resolve. However, complex cases can take an extended amount of time. Advances in forensic technology may continue to expedite investigations.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for a Hit and Run?

A: The minimum sentence for a hit-and-run accident depends on the severity of the accident and the injuries that resulted. In Florida, a misdemeanor charge comes with a lesser penalty, such as lower jail time and fines. A felony charge could result in longer jail time and fines, including license revocation, probation, and paying restitution to the victims. Hiring a skilled Tampa DUI hit-and-run defense lawyer can increase your chances of receiving a lesser sentence.

Q: Can I Sue for a Hit and Run in Florida?

A: Yes, victims of a hit-and-run accident in Tampa, Florida can file a claim against the at-fault driver once they are identified. Victims can recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may be awarded as well. If the driver is never found, however, the victim may have to rely on their uninsured motorist coverage.

Q: Can I Go to Jail for a Hit and Run in Florida?

A: Yes, leaving the scene of an accident in Florida can result in jail or prison time, depending on the severity of the accident. If property damage is the only damage caused, a hit-and-run accident can be charged as a misdemeanor, carrying a sentence that includes some jail time. If there are injuries, you might be charged with a felony, which comes with a longer prison sentence and other penalties.

Contact a Tampa DUI Hit-and-Run Defense Lawyer Today

Facing a DUI charge in Tampa is a serious matter that requires skilled legal representation. Contact the team at Jeff Marshall Law, located on 8th Avenue, to discuss your case. We can explore the possible legal defenses that can minimize your charges and penalties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

See Related Posts:

• Is a DUI a Felony in Florida?
• Florida DUI Laws and Penalties
• How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Florida?