Defending a Hit-and-Run Charge in The Villages

Recently, a 59-year-old man named William Joseph Croop was arrested for a hit-and-run accident in The Villages. According to officers, Croup ran over a cyclist in the early morning hours and proceeded to flee the scene. Croop is now being charged with a crime and is facing serious consequences for his failure to stick around after the accident.

Croop’s story can unfortunately happen to anyone. An accident is often scary and sometimes as drivers we panic and flee the scene when we know that the right thing to do is stay and make sure everyone involved is okay. Fortunately, hiring an experienced The Villages criminal defense lawyer is often one way we can ensure that we do not face harsh criminal penalties after being involved in such an accident. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident and are facing charges, our experienced team of attorneys can guide you through your defense.

How Prosecutors Will Try and Prove Your Case

In Florida, in order to prove that a hit-and-run accident occurred, a prosecutor will have to show that you left the scene of an accident “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that the prosecutor must be able to prove certain things during your criminal trial, such as that you intentionally left the scene. For example, what if it could be argued that you did leave a note or tried to help the other driver or injured person, but were unable to do so because of some act of nature? What if the reason you left the scene was because you were having an emergency and could not stop to survey the damage after the accident? What if you merely weren’t aware of the fact that you had hit and injured someone? There are a number of defenses that your The Villages criminal defense lawyer can mount in order to ensure that you are cleared from any charges.

Understanding the Penalties for a Hit-and-Run Crash

After a hit-and-run accident, you can face a variety of serious penalties, ranging from fines and possible jail time to an increase in your insurance premiums. If this is not your first offense, or if you have been found guilty of other offenses like drunk driving, you can expect your penalties to be even harsher. After a hit and run accident, you may have your license revoked, be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, and face imprisonment depending on the circumstances of your case.

For example, if you are found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident that caused only property damage, you will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and be ordered to pay a $500 fine in addition to possibly serving 60 days in jail. If you left the scene of an accident that caused an injury, however, you could face up to five years in prison and be ordered to pay a $5,000 penalty.

Contact a The Villages Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help

You shouldn’t have to face the consequences of a hit-and-run accident alone. Hiring a competent The Villages criminal defense lawyer can help you ensure you avoid jail time and hefty fines. Contact our offices today to learn more about how we can help.