What Constitutes a Hit and Run?

A hit and run is the layman’s term for “Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury” and “Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage” charges, occurring when a driver involved in an accident fails to fulfill their legal obligations. This includes stopping at the scene, assisting injured parties, contacting law enforcement and exchanging information with other involved parties or law enforcement.

Potential Consequences

A first-time DUI offense is classified as a misdemeanor with penalties that include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, probation, and license suspension for a minimum of 180 days. Subsequent offenses within a specified timeframe escalate to higher penalties, including increased fines, longer license suspension, and potential vehicle impoundment. 

Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $500 and imprisonment for up to 60 days. However, if the accident involves injury or death, the offense is elevated to a felony, resulting in penalties of fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 30 years.

In situations where there are both factors of DUI and a hit and run, fines can range from $500 to $5,000 in addition to a probationary period of 6 months and a license suspension of at least 6 months. Individuals may also face civil lawsuits from injured parties seeking compensation for damages, medical expenses, and other losses resulting from the accident. An allegation of “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” will cause a subject to be ineligible for the Pinellas County DUI Diversion Program, even where the accident is minor in nature. Likewise, the State Attorney will consider an allegation of “hit and run” when contemplating whether it is appropriate to reduce a charge of DUI to “Reckless Driving.”

What Should I Do If I Am Facing Hit and Run and DUI Charges?

If you find yourself facing charges for both hit and run and DUI in Florida, you need to take immediate and strategic action to protect your rights and future. Seek legal representation from an experienced DUI defense attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan who can provide invaluable guidance, protect your rights during legal proceedings, and work towards the best possible outcome for your case. 

Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan is Your Trusted DUI Law Firm

Just because you are being charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident with injury or leaving the scene of an accident with property damage does not mean that you will be convicted. Work with one of the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan for your best chance at avoiding potentially life-altering consequences.

Request a complimentary case consultation or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of our Clearwater DUI defense attorneys.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Make a Plan to Get Home Safely

When planning out your activities, think about ways to get home after drinking without getting behind the wheel. These can include:

• Designating a sober driver far before the activities begin.
• Take a rideshare service, like Uber or Lyft.
• Plan and prepare to spend the night at a trusted friend or family member’s home or a nearby hotel.

Driving with a BAC of .08 or above constitutes a DUI offense, so make sure to create plans to get home safely before you ingest any alcohol. In Pinellas County, a first-time offense can result in a driver’s license suspension of up to one year, so it is important to be prepared to prevent, or if necessary fight, a DUI conviction.

Commonly Patrolled Areas in Pinellas County on Cinco de Mayo

If you decide to drive home after celebrating Cinco de Mayo, you need to be aware of law enforcement patrolled areas along higher-traffic routes leading to and from popular event locations in Pinellas County throughout the night, as well as the following areas: 

• Memorial Causeway leaving Clearwater Beach.
• 4th Street in St. Petersburg, particularly near downtown.
• Courtney Campbell Causeway westbound from Tampa.
• Gulf Boulevard from St. Pete Beach to Indian Shores.
• Largo, specifically around Ulmerton Road and US Highway 19 North.

What to Do If You Get Stopped for a DUI

If you get stopped for a DUI, it is crucial to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. Refrain from making any statements to the police without seeking out one of the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan. Our team can help you understand your rights and legal options and help you avoid the harsh consequences of a DUI conviction.

Celebrate Safely and Avoid a DUI This Cinco de Mayo

This Cinco de Mayo, enjoy your activities and celebrations safely and responsibly with guidance from Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, the leading DUI defense law firm in Clearwater.

Request a case consultation or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Effects of Lack of Sleep on Driving Ability

The effects of sleep deprivation on driving ability are well-documented. Studies have shown that being awake for 17 hours straight can result in impairment equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, while staying awake for 24 hours can produce impairment similar to a BAC of 0.10%, exceeding the legal limit for intoxication in Florida.

Lack of sleep can compromise various cognitive functions necessary for safe driving, including attention, reaction time, decision-making, and coordination. Drivers experiencing sleep deprivation may exhibit symptoms such as:

• Reduced alertness and vigilance
• Increased tendency to drift between lanes
• Slower reaction times to unexpected events and stimuli
• Impaired judgment and risk assessment

Misdiagnosing Fatigue as Alcohol or Drug Impairment

DUIs are typically associated with alcohol or drug intoxication. However, in some cases, law enforcement observed driving or other behavior that he or she believed to be alcohol or drug impairment, but was actually tiredness. In these cases, a critical evaluation of the evidence is necessary in order to secure the most favorable outcome: Some factors our DUI defense team might utilize in a Sleep Deprivation DUI Defense Case may include:

Observable Signs of Impairment

Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment, such as erratic driving behavior, slurred speech, and impaired motor skills. However, these signs may overlap with symptoms of sleep deprivation.

Statements and Behavior of the Driver

Statements made by the driver and their behavior during the traffic stop can provide additional insight into their level of impairment. Confusion, disorientation, and fatigue-related complaints may suggest sleep deprivation as a contributing factor.

Results of Field Sobriety Tests 

Standardized FSTs, such as the Walk-and-Turn test and the Horizontal Gaze test, are commonly used by law enforcement to assess impairment. However, performance on these tests can be influenced by fatigue.

Results of Chemical Tests 

One of the most important factors in demonstrating that an arrest was not caused by alcohol or drug impairment, but was the result of fatigue is the results of chemical tests. Your highly trained DUI Defense Team at Russo, Pelletier and Sullivan may use the government’s breath or urine tests against them to conclusively demonstrate the lack of alcohol or drug impairment.

Facing a DUI Charge? Don’t Face It Alone

If you are being charged with a DUI due to lack of sleep, contact one of the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.

Request a free consultation or call us at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of our Clearwater DUI attorneys. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

The Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Aside from the immediate penalties like fines and license suspension, a DUI can have long-lasting repercussions on various aspects of your life, including employment opportunities, professional licenses, and auto insurance rates. If convicted of a DUI, subsequent fines can reach up to $5,000, and insurance rates can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

With so much at stake, it is important to hire a qualified DUI defense lawyer in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan.

What Should You Look For in the Right DUI Lawyer?

When selecting a DUI lawyer, several key factors can help determine their suitability for your case.

1. Experience in Effectively Challenging Evidence

One of the most critical aspects of DUI defense is challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. This may include questioning the validity and procedural integrity of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or police procedures during the traffic stop. The experienced Clearwater DUI attorneys with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan possess a deep understanding of these issues and have a proven record of successfully challenging evidence in court. You want to hire a lawyer with a proven track record of securing favorable results in cases similar to yours.

2. Consistent Communication

We recognize that for many clients, a DUI arrest may be the first and only time that he or she has been involved in the criminal justice system. As a result, effective communication between attorney and client is essential throughout the entirety of your case. A competent DUI lawyer should be responsive to your inquiries, keep you updated on developments in your case, and provide clear explanations of legal proceedings and potential outcomes. If a lawyer demonstrates a lack of communication or fails to promptly respond to your inquiries, it may indicate a lack of commitment or professionalism regarding your case. To evaluate a lawyer’s diligence in communicating with clients, a good place to look is the lawyer’s reviews from past clients.

3. Expertise in Location-Relevant DUI Laws and Court Procedures

In sports, you often hear commentators refer to a team having a “home-field advantage.” Court procedures not only vary from State to State and County to County but also from courtroom to courtroom. Having an attorney who is intimately familiar with the procedures of your judge is crucially valuable. Likewise, having a working knowledge of the State Attorney’s Office is of equal importance. Our DUI Defense team limits its practice to Pinellas County. We are former prosecutors who appear in front of the judges who preside over DUI cases every week.

Work With a DUI Defense Team That Cares About Your Case

Give yourself peace of mind by hiring an experienced DUI attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan. Selecting the right DUI lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. 

Request a free case consultation or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of our DUI defense lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.