A Fort Lauderdale man is under arrest after Broward County Sheriff officials say that the man was in a hit and run accident and fled the scene. They say that the driver hit a bicyclist who died from his injuries. The victim was riding his bicycle in the morning. As he rode his bike, he crossed into the path of the oncoming vehicle.
The driver slammed on the brakes but could not avoid the crash. Instead of remaining at the accident scene, he drove away. It was up to a witness to call the police. The witness was able to give a description of the vehicle that hit the victim. That was all law enforcement needed to find the damaged vehicle.
From there, they found the suspect and made their arrest. Law enforcement says that charges against the man include driving without a valid license and possession of cocaine. Because the man faces significant time in prison if he’s convicted, he has the right to the services of a Fort Lauderdale hit and run attorney.
A driver who is involved in an accident with an apparent personal injury must stay at the scene of the crash until they fulfill their obligations. They must either summon medical attention for the injured person, or they must help the person get to the hospital for treatment. Failing to stay at the scene of the crash as required is a felony under Florida law.
Law enforcement officials can charge the man with all of the offenses they believe are appropriate to charge under the law. That means he may face charges of driving on a suspended license, possession of drugs and fleeing the scene of the crash. A person who faces criminal charges with the possibility of serving time in jail has the right to the assistance of a Fort Lauderdale hit and run attorney.
A Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney can help a person facing charges explore all of the possible defenses that are appropriate in the case. It may be in your best interests to take your case to trial, and it may be in your best interests to pursue a plea resolution to lessen the potential penalties against you. A hit and run conviction can carry potential consequences for your driver’s license in addition to significant time in jail, a conviction on your criminal record and fines and other penalties. If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation contact Hassett & Associates, P.A. at 954-791-3939.
