A hit-and-run ticket in Florida is a serious situation that goes beyond a typical traffic violation. It can lead to criminal charges, hefty fines, a suspended license, and even jail or prison time – especially if the accident resulted in injury or death. Whether you panicked and left the scene or didn’t realize the law required you to stop, it’s important to understand what you’re facing and what steps to take next. At Galanter Law, we know that misunderstandings and false accusations are not uncommon. If you’re dealing with a hit-and-run allegation, our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal process with skill, discretion, and dedication.
What Is Considered a Hit and Run?
Florida law requires drivers involved in any type of crash – whether with another vehicle, a pedestrian, cyclist, or even private property – to stop and provide their name, contact details, and insurance information. If someone is injured, you’re also required to call emergency services. Failing to do so can result in a hit-and-run ticket and, depending on the situation, misdemeanor or felony charges.
Many drivers don’t realize that even a minor accident, like scraping a parked car, you must go through the process. If you leave the scene thinking it was harmless, you could still face prosecution. The intent to cause harm doesn’t need to be present – simply failing to stop is enough to be charged.
Penalties for a Hit-and-Run Ticket in Florida
The consequences of a hit-and-run ticket vary depending on the severity of the accident. If there was only property damage and no one was hurt, the offense is typically considered a second-degree misdemeanor. That can still lead to up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and points on your driving record. More importantly, it may also result in higher insurance premiums and a criminal record.
However, if someone was injured in the crash, the stakes are much higher. A hit-and-run involving injury is classified as a third-degree felony, which could mean up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the accident resulted in death and you left the scene, it becomes a first-degree felony. That can mean a mandatory minimum of four years in prison and up to 30 years behind bars.
In addition to criminal penalties, you could also face a civil lawsuit from the injured party or their family. Your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked, and reinstatement may require expensive classes, fees, or installing an ignition interlock device.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges
Hit-and-run charges can arise from a wide range of situations. Sometimes, a driver genuinely panics after a crash and makes the split-second decision to leave. Other times, the driver may not even realize they hit something or someone, especially in low-speed accidents or situations involving poor visibility. In some cases, drivers mistakenly believe that exchanging information later is acceptable, or that the incident wasn’t serious enough to report.
Other times, someone may be falsely accused. If your car matches the description of a vehicle seen leaving an accident, or if your license plate was incorrectly recorded, you could receive a hit-and-run ticket even if you weren’t involved.
What to Do If You’re Accused
If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement, received a summons, or suspect you’re under investigation for a hit-and-run, your first move should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. You should never speak to police or investigators about the incident without legal counsel. Anything you say can and will be used against you, even if you’re just trying to explain or clarify the situation.
An attorney can help you understand the charges, explain your legal options, and start building a defense. At Galanter Law, we gather the evidence, review police reports, speak with witnesses, and identify any procedural errors or mitigating factors. We have the knowledge and experience needed to communicate with prosecutors and courts in a way that can protect your rights and present your case in the best possible light.
How Galanter Law Can Help
Our firm has decades of experience defending clients throughout South Florida who are facing traffic-related criminal charges, including hit-and-run tickets. Every case is different, and we take the time to understand the details and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
We can often challenge the evidence used against you, argue for reduced charges, or in some cases, seek a dismissal entirely. For first-time offenders, we may pursue an alternative strategy to avoid jail time and reduce long-term consequences. If your case goes to trial, we will aggressively defend your innocence in court. Our goal is always the same: to protect your future and minimize the impact of a criminal charge on your life.
Additional Complications That May Arise
It’s also important to understand that a hit-and-run ticket may come with additional charges, depending on the circumstances. If you were under the influence at the time of the accident, you could face a DUI charge. If you were speeding or driving recklessly, those charges could be added to the case as well. Driving without insurance or a suspended license can also lead to more serious legal trouble. All of these factors can escalate a simple traffic incident into a complex criminal case. That’s why working with a seasoned defense attorney is so critical.
Time Is Critical – Don’t Delay
The longer you wait to speak with an attorney, the harder it may become to defend yourself effectively. Witnesses can become harder to find, camera footage may be deleted, and prosecutors may proceed without your side of the story. Acting quickly not only preserves critical evidence but also demonstrates that you’re taking the situation seriously.
A hit-and-run ticket can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. The legal system moves fast in hit-and-run cases, so let the experienced team at Galanter Law help you navigate the legal process with confidence. We’ll work tirelessly to defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome to protect your future. If you’ve received a hit-and-run ticket, or even if you suspect you’re being investigated, contact Galanter Law immediately.
