A person who leaves the scene of a vehicle accident scene can be charged with a Felony or a Misdemeanor. Because these cases involve victims, some who have been seriously injured, many Judges believe this crime to be more serious than other offenses and enforce harsher penalties.
Generally, charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident or 'LSA' are misdemeanors (Florida statute 316.061) unless the people involved in the accident are seriously injured or have died. In those situations, State Prosecutors can charge a person with a Felony (Florida statute 316.027) for leaving or fleeing the scene (in which an accident took place). A felony can be charged even in cases in which a party doesn't immediately die from the crash but eventually dies from injuries sustained as a result of that accident.
In order for the State Prosecutors to obtain a conviction for leaving an accident scene, they must prove, beyond reasonable doubt, the following:
If you fled an accident an accident scene, contact the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton online or call 1-866-608-5LAW (5529) immediately to schedule a consultation to determine how best to defend your case and your rights.