No one wants to be charged with a crime. Hit and run charges can be particularly concerning, even though they may seem kind of minor. Depending on the severity of the accident, a hit and run charge can range from a simple traffic infraction to a felony.
If you’ve been charged with a hit and run offense in Miami, it’s important to consider and understand the legal options available. The best way to do that is to speak with a Miami traffic ticket lawyer who has experience dealing with hit and run cases.
It’s important to know the steps you should take if you are ever involved in a hit and run accident. First, don’t leave the scene. Even if the other person involved requests that you leave, make sure to take photos and exchange information with the other party. It’s important to always obtain the necessary paperwork and information in the event of an accident.
If authorities arrive on the scene, it is best to cooperate with them. Provide them with an honest statement of what happened and offer any admissions that you have made. Failing to admit your involvement in the hit and run accident could result in additional charges. It’s also important to remember that authorities may find that you are at fault, even if you believed you weren’t.
When it comes to defending against hit and run charges, you have a few legal options. The most important one is to hire a Miami traffic ticket lawyer who can build a defense for your case. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer can explore any mitigating factors that could help reduce your penalties or get the charges dropped altogether. For example, if there’s evidence that the accident was caused by someone else and they simply blamed you due to a lack of witnesses, a lawyer may be able to use this evidence to build a strong defense.
Another legal option is to negotiate a plea deal. In some cases, the prosecution might be willing to reduce the charges if you agree to a plea bargain. This can be beneficial if you wish to avoid the time and expense of a trial. It is important to understand the specifics of each plea offer and how it may affect your criminal record in the long run.
Finally, you could file an appeal if you believe that your conviction was unjust. An appeal gives you the opportunity to contest the outcome of your case in court, but it requires a heavy investment in both time and money. An experienced lawyer can likely tell you whether an appeal is feasible in your case.
Regardless of the legal strategy you pursue, having the right Miami traffic ticket lawyer on your side will go a long way towards helping to defend against hit and run charges. Counsel from an experienced attorney can not only help you decide on the best course of action, but can also guide you through the entire process and give you the best chance for a successful outcome.
At Hochman & Goldin, P.A., our experienced Miami traffic attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in defending clients who have been involved in criminal traffic violations. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn how Hochman & Goldin, P.A. can help.