Leaving the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as hit-and-run, transforms a traffic accident into a criminal matter with consequences far beyond typical moving violations. A hit-and-run charge in Palm Beach Gardens can result in felony charges, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing for years to come.
If you’re facing hit-and-run charges in Palm Beach Gardens, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel can provide the aggressive defense you need. With over 30 years devoted to defending criminal cases in Palm Beach County, Attorney Gabriel brings the comprehensive knowledge necessary to challenge these serious allegations.
What Constitutes Hit-and-Run in Palm Beach Gardens
Hit-and-run, legally known as leaving the scene of an accident, occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations. Florida law requires drivers involved in any crash to stop at the scene, exchange information with other parties, and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured. The severity of hit-and-run charges depends primarily on whether the accident caused property damage, injury, or death.
Many people don’t realize that leaving the scene of an accident laws apply even in accidents involving only property damage. If you strike a parked car, damage a mailbox, or collide with a fence and drive away without leaving contact information, you can face criminal charges. The law requires you to make a reasonable effort to locate the property owner or leave a note with your information in a conspicuous location.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Offenses in Palm Beach Gardens
The consequences for leaving the scene of an accident in Palm Beach Gardens vary significantly based on the circumstances of the crash.
Property Damage Only
When an accident involves only property damage, leaving the scene constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor. Conviction carries up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and fines up to $500. Your driver’s license may also face a minimum three-year revocation. While this represents the least serious hit-and-run charge, it still creates a criminal record that can affect your future.
Injury to Another Person
A hit-and-run involving injury to another person escalates to a third-degree felony. This charge carries up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and fines up to $5,000. Your driver’s license faces a minimum three-year revocation. Prosecutors take these cases seriously, particularly when victims sustained significant injuries requiring medical treatment.
Serious Bodily Injury
When the accident causes serious bodily injury, the charge becomes a second-degree felony. Serious bodily injury includes injuries that create a substantial risk of death, cause permanent disfigurement, or result in long-term loss or impairment of a body part or organ. Conviction carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and fines up to $10,000. Your license is subject to revocation for a minimum of 3 years.
Death
Leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a first-degree felony, the most serious hit-and-run charge. Conviction can result in up to 30 years in prison, substantial fines, and permanent license revocation. These cases often receive significant media attention, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties.
Common Defenses to Hit-and-Run Charges
Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel examines every detail of your case to identify viable defenses. Several circumstances may provide strong defenses to hit-and-run allegations:
- You may not have known an accident occurred. In some situations, particularly when minor property damage is involved, a driver may genuinely not realize they struck something.
- The accident may not have required you to stop. Florida law only requires drivers to stop when an accident causes injury, death, or property damage.
- You may not have been the driver. Mistaken identity occurs in hit-and-run cases, particularly when witnesses provide only partial license plate numbers or vague vehicle descriptions.
- You may have left the scene out of concern for your safety. While not a complete defense, showing you left because you feared for your safety in a dangerous neighborhood or threatening situation may provide mitigating circumstances that influence the outcome of your case.
Attorney Gabriel will handle your case using all the knowledge and skills developed over the span of his extensive career. His initial experience prosecuting cases at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office provides valuable insight into how prosecutors approach hit-and-run cases and where weaknesses exist in their evidence.
The Importance of Immediate Legal Representation
Time becomes critical when facing hit-and-run charges in Palm Beach Gardens. Law enforcement investigators work quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build their case against you. Surveillance cameras, traffic cameras, and witness statements may all contribute to the prosecution’s evidence. The sooner you retain legal counsel, the better positioned you are to protect your rights and preserve evidence that supports your defense.
Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel can immediately begin evaluating the circumstances of your case, identifying inconsistencies in witness statements, and challenging questionable evidence. Early intervention often proves decisive in achieving favorable outcomes, whether through negotiated resolutions or dismissal of charges. Prosecutors respect well-prepared defense attorneys who demonstrate thorough knowledge of the case facts and relevant law.
Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel in Palm Beach County
Hit-and-run charges in Palm Beach Gardens carry serious consequences that extend far beyond fines and potential jail time. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has defended an abundance of clients against traffic-related criminal charges throughout his 30-year career. As an Avvo Top Rated Lawyer 2024 and National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 2024 recipient, Attorney Gabriel brings proven experience to your defense.
Don’t face hit-and-run charges without capable legal representation. Start with a free consultation today by calling Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.
