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Leaving the Scene of Damage to Unattended Property

Hit-and-run accidents on the roadways or highway can happen to anyone. In some situations, a driver may flee the scene of an accident out of fear of being caught driving without insurance, while in possession of an open container of alcohol, because of a suspended driver’s license, or for many other reasons.

In any case, most drivers are well aware of the consequences of being charged with fleeing the scene of an accident (often called the “hit and run” or “hit and skip” case). The driver may be unaware that leaving the scene after damaging an unattended vehicle or other property is a misdemeanor crime that carries its own legal ramifications.    

Criminal traffic offenses related to leaving the scene after a crash with unattended property can involve a parked car, a mailbox, a stop sign, or other property. After leaving the scene of the crash, a criminal investigation has begun.

Never speak to a law enforcement officer until after you have retained an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you are under investigation, a criminal defense attorney can represent you at every stage of the case.

In many of these cases, our attorneys can help the officer from coming to your home or place of business to interrogate you about the crash and why you left the scene. We can also help you deal with your insurance company and the insurance company for the person who owned a vehicle damaged in the crash.

Attorney for Damaging an Unattended Vehicle in Gainesville, FL

The attorneys at Galigani Law Firm have years of experience defending clients in court against traffic violations including fleeing the scene of a crash, DUIs, driving while license suspended, reckless driving, racing on highways and other related traffic offenses. At Galigani Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you were involved in an accident where you damaged an unattended vehicle or parked car in Gainesville, FL, and now face criminal charges, then contact Galigani Law Firm. Call (352) 375-0812 to develop a plan of action to defend yourself against these misdemeanor charges in Alachua County, FL.

Our firm is conveniently located five (5) minutes from Wickham Park in Gainesville, FL. We take cases in Alachua County, Bradford County, Columbia County, Union Count, Levy County, Putnam County, Gilchrist County, Marion County, and surrounding regions.  

Damaging an Unattended Vehicle as Defined by Florida Law

Under Florida statute §316.063 any individual involved in an auto collision with an unattended vehicle or other property which resulted in damage to the unattended property must fulfill the following duties:

1. Notify the nearest authorized police authority as quickly as possible;
2. Immediately stop to locate or notify the owner or operator of the damaged vehicle or property of the culpable driver’s name, address, and vehicle registration number; or
3. Securely attach a detectable written notice listing the culpable driver’s vehicle registration number, address, and name to the unattended property or vehicle.

Any individual who fails to complete the aforementioned requirements after involvement in a collision which caused damage to an unattended property or vehicle is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor.

The maximum penalty for leaving the scene of a crash involving a parked car or other unattended vehicle includes up to sixty (60) days in jail, and/or a fine not exceeding $500.

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Additional Resources

Duty upon damaging unattended vehicle or other property – Visit the Online Sunshine website of the Florida State Legislature to find more about damaging an unattended vehicle or property under Colorado law. This website provides up to date statutes on traffic offenses and their penalties. Also, find more information on other driving and traffic offenses including fleeing the scene, driving under the influence of alcohol, and more related crimes.

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Find an Attorney for Hit and Run of a Parked Car in in Alachua County, Florida

If you live in Alachua County, Florida, or a neighboring city and are facing criminal charges for damaging an unattended vehicle or other property, act fast to limit the likelihood of a conviction.

The criminal defense attorneys at Galigani Law Firm will examine your case and make every effort to form a defense which may result in a reduction or full dismissal of charges.

Call Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 to learn more about what you should be doing at this time to protect your rights and avoid the police coming to your home to question you about the case.

This article was last updated Thursday, December 8, 2016.