Punta Gorda Hit and Run Attorney

Defense for Hit & Run Charges in Charlotte County

Hit and run is a criminal offense wherein a driver leaves the scene of an accident in which he or she was involved, without exchanging driver and insurance information with the other parties. By law, a driver who is involved in an auto accident must stop, even if he or she did not cause the accident in the first place. A failure to stop may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony offense. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, the defendant may be at risk of facing imprisonment in state prison for up to 5 years, or possibly more if a repeat offender.

Make sure you take the time to contact a Punta Gorda hit and run attorney if you or someone you know has been accused of leaving the scene of an accident in or around Charlotte County, Florida. You will need an experienced lawyer on your side if you are to have the opportunity of avoiding a conviction, and the earlier a lawyer can become involved, the better. He or she can begin building your defense in order to help you avoid a conviction and maximum penalties.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

To face criminal hit and run charges, a driver needs to have willfully left the scene of an accident. For example, he or she would have known about the accident and would have fled the scene without rendering assistance to anyone injured in the accident and without exchanging information with the other parties involved. The extent of property damage or bodily injury caused by the accident will be the main factor in determining the severity of criminal charges the defendant will face.

Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we may be able to help. Contact a Charlotte County hit and run defense lawyer at Fritsch Law Firm for a free review of your charges.