Leaving the Scene in Fort Myers and Naples

Penalties for DUI Hit and Run in Fort Myers

All drivers in our state are required by law to stop at the scene of an accident, and can be subjected to penalties for failure to do so. Under Florida Statutes §316.062 (2012) "Duty to give information and render aid," leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging personal information and insurance information with the other driver and rendering any type of aid which may be necessary for injuries, is punishable as a noncriminal traffic infraction and nonmoving violation.

If you are accused of DUI with injury, the charge can be increased to a misdemeanor criminal offense under §316.193 (3), which is punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine, in addition to losing your driver's license to a revocation lasting between 180 days and a year.

In the event that the accident resulted in the death of another person, you may be charged with a first degree felony DUI, provided that you knew-or should have known-that the crash occurred and failed to give information and render aid as required by law. DUI manslaughter is normally a felony of the second degree with a maximum sentence of $10,000 in fines and fifteen years in prison, but for leaving the scene of a fatal accident you can be sentenced to as long as thirty years in prison.

Call a Naples DUI lawyer at Parks & Braxton, PA today!

There are many ways to defend against hit and run charges, but you must contact us as early as possible to maximize your chances of success. Remember, you are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, and under the Fifth Amendment you cannot be required to testify against yourself. Speak about the situation to nobody but an attorney, as you are at risk of making self-incriminating statements which could lead to your conviction. We have successfully defended thousands of clients on DUI charges, and are ready to fight for you!