Tampa Hit & Run

Florida Hit & Run Law

Hit & run is a criminal act that occurs when a person is involved in 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 involved in a motor vehicle accident, he/she should report the accident to law enforcement and also exchange appropriate information with others who were involved in the collision.  It is illegal for a person to cause a car accident and then flee a scene.

If a person leaves the scene of the accident, and dos not report the accident, he/she can be charged with hit & run.  Hit & runs can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies.  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 if the person was under the influence of drugs and or alcohol at the time of the accident.   

Once a person has been charged with hit & run, whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, it is usually a wise idea for the person to review his/her legal options with a knowledgeable Tampa criminal defense attorney.  Without assistance from a criminal defense lawyer, people stand to face numerous life-altering legal penalties if convicted.   

Hit & Run - Conviction & Penalties

A person who has been convicted of hit & run will face a variety of severe legal ramifications.  These legal penalties may include, but are not limited to:

• imprisonment
• jail time
• fines
• community service
• driver’s license suspension
• drug and alcohol counseling (if applicable)
• civil action

Obtaining a Hit & Run Attorney

After a person has been charged with or arrested for hit & run, it is imperative that the person consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney.  A defense lawyer can get involved from the onset of the legal process and provide insight and direction as the person’s 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. 

Thomas & Paulk, P.A. Hit & Run Defense Attorneys

At Thomas & Paulk, we have represented many clients who were facing hit & run convictions and harsh legal penalties.  With our help, our past clients have been able to fight their hit & run charges and obtain successful outcomes in court.  Our experienced criminal defense lawyers are aggressive, professional litigators who are ready to help you.

If you have been charged with hit & run, and you would like to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney, call Thomas & Paulk today at 1-800-239-3195!

The Criminal Defense Attorneys at Thomas & Paulk defend individuals throughout the Tampa Bay area and Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Riverview, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Sun City, Land O Lakes, Antioch, Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Bloomingdale, Boyette, Carollwood, Clearwater, Dover, Egypt Lake, Gibsonston, Gulf City, Gulfport, Hopewell, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores Beach, Kenneth City, Largo, Lillibridgerafforida, Lithia, Lutz, Madeira Beach, Mango, Marvina, New Tampa, North Redington, Oldsmar, Orient Park, Palm River, Pasadena, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Seminole, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Tampa Palms, Thonotosassa, Tierra Verde, Trapnell, Unincorporated Hillsborough County, Unincorporated Pinellas County, Welcome, and Wimauma.