A criminal defense lawyer is always helpful because no driver wants to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, it happens. Knowing the laws about leaving the scene of an accident is important for all drivers. Whether you are responsible for an incident or affected by it, you have the right to legal representation.
How Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Butash Can Help with a Florida Hit and Run Case
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run incident, you need an attorney to protect your rights. With over two decades of experience in the legal field, the Butash Law Group is prepared to take on your case.
If You Were the Victim of a Hit & Run
When you file for a hit-and-run insurance claim or lawsuit, talking to a car accident attorney is your best option. Filing the appropriate paperwork with your insurance company can be daunting, but when you hire a car accident injury lawyer, you can rest easy.
The law office of Attorney Michael Butash will help you through the entire process and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you receive the best possible settlement.
An experienced auto accident injury attorney will review the incident, make sure all the necessary documents and evidence are gathered, and help you build a strong legal case against the responsible parties. We will assist with collecting witness statements and evidence from the scene of the accident.
Attorney Michael Butash can also inform you of your legal options and guide you through them. Depending on your case, you may want to:
- File a civil suit against the other driver
- File a crime report against the driver
- Seek criminal charges
- If You Left the Scene of an Accident
If you have were in a hit-and-run accident, you may be facing serious legal consequences. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Florida, and you could be facing hefty fines and even jail time if you’re convicted.
Get in touch with a criminal defense attorney right away if you fled the scene of an accident. If you are being charged with a crime, you will need legal representation. Attorney Michael Butash can explain the laws that apply to you, tell you what your rights are, and help you develop a solid plan for your defense.
If you already know the charges you are facing for leaving the scene of an accident, consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing and get involved from the onset of the legal process. By having a criminal defense lawyer there from the beginning to provide insight and direction, you increase your chances of a bright future.
A criminal defense lawyer can negotiate with judges and prosecutors to possibly have your criminal charges reduced or, in some cases, dismissed entirely. That’s why it’s important to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
If you are facing hit-and-run charges, don’t try to go it alone
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Butash today.
The Laws Behind Leaving the Scene of an Accident
“Hit and Run” or “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” is a criminal act that occurs when a person causes a motor vehicle accident, causes property damage or physical damage to a third party, and then leaves the scene.
According to Florida law, when a person is in a motor vehicle accident, he or she should report the accident to law enforcement and also exchange appropriate information with others who were in the collision. It is against the law to be in a car crash and then flee the scene of the accident.
If a person leaves after a car collision and does not report the accident, he or she can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. A hit-and-run is a misdemeanor or a felony.
Usually, classification will depend upon the person’s criminal history, the extent of property damage caused by the accident (if any), the extent of physical injuries caused by the accident (if any), and whether the person was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. If it is a DUI, there are extra penalties.
Once a person has is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, it is usually a wise idea for the person to review his or her legal options with a criminal defense attorney. Without the assistance of a criminal defense attorney, people stand to face numerous life-altering legal penalties if convicted.
Hit & Run – Conviction & Penalties
A person who has been convicted of leaving the scene of an accident will face a variety of severe legal ramifications. These legal penalties may include, but are not limited to:
- Probation
- Court costs
- Fines
- Community Service
- Driver’s license suspension
- Drug and alcohol counseling (if applicable)
- Civil action
Are You Looking for Legal Representation from a Criminal Defense Attorney?
You should speak with a criminal defense lawyer if you left the scene of an accident. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible that you are being charged with a crime and will need legal representation. An attorney will be able to explain the applicable laws, tell you of your rights, and help you develop a strategy for your defense.
If you are a driver who was charged with or arrested for leaving the scene of an accident, it is imperative that you consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. A criminal defense attorney can get involved from the onset of the legal process and provide insight and direction as the hit & run case progresses.
Additionally, a criminal defense attorney can negotiate with judges and prosecutors to possibly have the person’s criminal charges reduced, or in some cases, dismissed entirely.
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