Given separate consideration, driving under the influence (DUI) and hit and runs in Florida are respectively already serious offenses. When put together, the penalties may be harsher if not approached by experienced legal council. The consequences of a DUI hit and run in Florida are severe, bringing about harsh penalties to those caught and convicted of such a crime.
Criminal defense attorney Brian P. Gabriel specializes in DUI laws and has successfully represented defendants accused of this crime in the past. Using his in-depth knowledge of Florida DUI law, he may be able to help you resolve your case to your benefit, no matter how bleak the situation may look initially.
What is a DUI Hit and Run?
A DUI hit and run is characterized by a collision caused by an impaired driver who leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging pertinent personal and insurance information with the other driver. In these situations, the impaired driver has typically caused property or personal injury damage in the collision.
In Florida, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident without at least exchanging information with the other driver. The only exception is if you sustained a severe injury in the accident and are taken from the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Penalties for Florida DUI Hit and Run
Leaving the scene of an accident even without the DUI component is a third-degree felony in Florida. It is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison. If someone was killed in the collision, the driver in question might face manslaughter charges, up to 30 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.
If the driver is also charged with DUI, then separate penalties apply. For DUI accidents involving property damage or minor injury, the penalty is up to $1,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Severe injuries in a DUI accident become a felony charge, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Reach Out to a Reputable Florida DUI Lawyer If You Have Been Accused of a DUI Hit and Run
If you have been accused of a DUI hit and run, you need legal representation immediately. The ramifications of the DUI element alone are enough to threaten your driving privileges and your freedom. The financial consequences are significant as well. However, adding the hit-and-run component to the situation may only make it worse. Hiring a skilled Florida DUI lawyer may be the best way for you to resolve the case in a way that leads to a positive outcome for you.
Criminal Defense Attorney Brian P. Gabriel can craft a legal defense strategy on your behalf that provides a plausible explanation for the situation. Mr. Gabriel’s extensive background in DUI law has allowed him to cultivate a wealth of legal strategies that have helped clients out of similar circumstances.
Schedule a Complimentary DUI Defense Consultation Today To Learn More
A DUI hit-and-run case requires skill and experience interacting with this component of Florida’s legal system. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has spent more than 30 years helping those accused of a DUI hit and run to successfully defend against the charges. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career.
Schedule a free consultation today. Call The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575 or complete an online contact form to learn more.