Being charged with leaving the scene of an accident in West Palm Beach can be devastating. Whether you panicked after a fender bender or face felony accusations involving injuries, Florida prosecutors treat hit and run cases seriously. A conviction carries mandatory jail time, permanent license revocation, hefty fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. You need a defense team that knows how these cases are built and how to take them apart.
Meltzer & Bell has defended hundreds of hit and run cases throughout Palm Beach County. The defense team includes former prosecutors who used to bring these same charges—now they fight to beat them. With over 500 jury trials through verdict and more than 1,000 five-star Google reviews, this is the experienced, trial-ready defense your case demands. The team includes a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney and lawyers who understand that not every leaving the scene case is what it appears to be. We investigate, we challenge, and we don’t just negotiate pleas—we build real defenses. Call (561) 557-8686 now for a free consultation—available 24/7.
On This Page:
- After your hit and run arrest
- The investigation process
- Building your defense
- Court proceedings and resolution
- Florida leaving the scene laws
- Penalties for hit and run charges
- Duty to remain requirements
- What the state must prove
- Common defenses to hit and run
- Accident reconstruction challenges
- Frequently asked questions
- Why choose Meltzer & Bell
Understanding Hit and Run Charges in West Palm Beach
Florida law requires every driver involved in a crash to stop and remain at the scene. When someone leaves without providing information or rendering aid, prosecutors can file criminal charges ranging from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. The severity depends entirely on whether the accident involved property damage only, injuries, or death.
These cases happen more often than you might think. Someone makes a split-second decision to leave after a minor collision in a parking lot. A driver doesn’t realize they were in an accident. Panic sets in after a crash, and someone drives away without thinking. Sometimes witnesses identify the wrong vehicle or the wrong driver. Whatever the circumstances, the consequences of a conviction are severe.
Florida Statute 316.027 governs leaving the scene violations. The law imposes specific duties on drivers involved in crashes. When these duties aren’t met—or when prosecutors believe they weren’t met—criminal charges follow. Understanding what the state must prove is the first step in building an effective defense.
Meltzer & Bell has defended clients facing every type of leaving the scene charge: from property damage cases in parking lots to felony hit and run involving serious bodily injury. The defense team’s former prosecutors know exactly how the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office approaches these cases. That knowledge now works for you.
Florida’s Duty to Remain Laws: What Drivers Must Do
Florida law imposes clear duties on drivers involved in any accident. The specific requirements depend on the type of crash and whether anyone was injured.
Duty to Stop and Remain (F.S. 316.062): When a crash occurs on a road or highway, every driver must immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible. The driver must remain at the scene until they’ve fulfilled all other legal duties. Simply stopping briefly and then leaving can still constitute leaving the scene.
Duty to Provide Information (F.S. 316.065): Drivers must give their name, address, and vehicle registration number to any other driver, occupant, or property owner involved in the crash. If someone is injured, the driver must also show their driver’s license if requested. Providing false information satisfies the duty to provide information—it creates a separate crime.
Duty to Render Aid (F.S. 316.062(1)(a)): If anyone is injured, the driver must render reasonable assistance. This includes transporting or making arrangements to transport the injured person to a medical facility if treatment is necessary or requested. This duty applies even if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
Duty When No One Else Present: If a driver hits an unattended vehicle or other property, they must stop and make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. If unsuccessful, they must leave a note in a conspicuous place with their name, address, and a brief explanation. Then they must immediately report the crash to police.
Duty to Report: Drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must report the crash to law enforcement. This requirement applies even if all other duties were fulfilled.
Prosecutors charge leaving the scene violations based on which duties were allegedly violated. A driver who stops but doesn’t provide information can still face charges. Someone who provides information but leaves before police arrive can be prosecuted. Understanding these nuances is critical to mounting an effective defense.
Facing hit and run charges in Palm Beach County? The former prosecutors at Meltzer & Bell know how these cases are built and how to challenge them. Call now for a free case review—available 24/7.
Leaving the Scene Charges: Misdemeanor vs. Felony
Florida categorizes leaving the scene offenses based on the severity of the accident. The penalties escalate dramatically when injuries are involved.
Leaving Scene — Property Damage Only (F.S. 316.061): When a crash involves only property damage and the driver fails to stop and provide information, it’s a second-degree misdemeanor. This is the least serious hit and run charge, but it still carries up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and six points on your license. First-time offenders often receive probation, but judges can impose jail time.
Leaving Scene — Injury to Person (F.S. 316.027(2)(a)): If the crash caused injury to any person and the driver leaves without fulfilling their duties, it becomes a third-degree felony. This is a dramatic escalation. Conviction carries up to five years in Florida State Prison, a $5,000 fine, and mandatory permanent driver’s license revocation. There is no way around the license revocation—it’s required by statute and applies even to first-time offenders.
Leaving Scene — Serious Bodily Injury (F.S. 316.027(2)(b)): When the crash results in serious bodily injury—meaning an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or results in long-term loss or impairment of a bodily function—and the driver flees, it’s a second-degree felony. This carries up to 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and mandatory permanent license revocation.
Leaving Scene — Death (F.S. 316.027(1)): If anyone dies as a result of the crash and the driver fails to stop and render aid, it’s a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in Florida State Prison. If the driver knew or should have known the crash resulted in death or serious bodily injury, mandatory minimum sentences apply: four years for death, two years for serious bodily injury. These mandatory minimums mean the judge has no discretion to sentence below those thresholds.
The distinction between these charge levels depends entirely on the severity of injuries. Prosecutors rely on medical records, emergency room reports, ambulance records, and treating physician statements to establish injury levels. Challenging the characterization of injuries can reduce felony charges to misdemeanors or serious felonies to lesser felonies.
What the State Must Prove to Convict You
Hit and run cases require prosecutors to prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding these elements reveals potential defense strategies.
Element 1: You Were the Driver
The state must prove you were driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. This is often the weakest element in hit and run cases. Witnesses may have seen your vehicle but not the driver. License plate readers show where your car was but not who was behind the wheel. If you loaned your car to someone, if multiple people had access to the vehicle, or if identification is based solely on vehicle description, proving you were the driver becomes difficult.
Element 2: You Were Involved in a Crash
Prosecutors must prove an actual accident occurred. In some property damage cases, drivers don’t realize they hit something. Shopping cart contact, minor bumper taps, and debris on the roadway can be mistaken for accidents. If you genuinely didn’t know a crash occurred, the required criminal intent is absent.
Element 3: The Crash Caused Damage or Injury
The state must prove the crash resulted in property damage, injury, or death. In property damage cases, prosecutors need evidence of actual damage—not just allegations. In injury cases, they must prove the injuries resulted from the crash, not from a pre-existing condition or subsequent event. Medical causation can be challenged.
Element 4: You Failed to Fulfill Your Duties
Prosecutors must prove you failed to stop, remain, provide information, or render aid as required by law. This element has nuance. If you stopped briefly then left, did you “remain”? If you provided some information but not everything required, have you fulfilled the duty? If you attempted to render aid but the injured person refused, have you violated the statute? The specific facts matter tremendously.
Element 5: You Knew or Should Have Known
For felony hit and run involving injury or death, prosecutors must prove you knew—or should have known based on the circumstances—that the crash occurred and involved injury or death. This is a knowledge requirement. If the crash was minor and you had no reason to believe anyone was injured, this element may not be satisfied. If you left immediately and had no opportunity to assess injuries, the knowledge element is challenged.
Every element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If any element is missing or weak, the case should not result in a conviction. Meltzer & Bell’s defense team scrutinizes every element to find the weaknesses prosecutors hope you won’t challenge.
Common Defenses to Hit and Run Charges in Florida
Experienced defense attorneys approach leaving the scene cases from multiple angles. The right defense depends on the specific facts, but these strategies appear frequently in successful hit and run defenses.
You Weren’t the Driver: Many hit and run cases rely on vehicle identification rather than driver identification. Witnesses see a license plate or vehicle description but never see the driver’s face. Automated license plate readers capture your car’s location but not who was driving. If someone else was driving your vehicle—a family member, friend, or acquaintance—you cannot be convicted of leaving the scene. The state must prove you personally were behind the wheel. Your defense team can investigate who else had access to your vehicle, where you actually were at the time, and whether the state’s driver identification evidence is sufficient.
You Didn’t Know a Crash Occurred: Florida law requires knowledge that a crash happened. If you genuinely didn’t realize your vehicle made contact with another vehicle or object, you cannot be convicted. This defense applies when the impact was minimal, when you hit debris rather than another vehicle, or when road conditions made it impossible to feel the contact. Shopping cart strikes, minor bumps in parking lots, and debris impacts are common scenarios where drivers have no awareness of an accident. If you didn’t know, you can’t be guilty of intentionally leaving.
You Didn’t Know Anyone Was Injured: For felony hit and run charges involving injuries, prosecutors must prove you knew or should have known someone was hurt. If the crash seemed minor, if no one appeared injured at the scene, or if you left before injuries manifested, this knowledge element may be missing. Fear and panic can cloud judgment, but genuine lack of knowledge is a complete defense. If the evidence shows a minor rear-end collision and the alleged victim later claimed injuries, proving you should have known about those injuries becomes difficult for prosecutors.
You Attempted to Fulfill Your Duties: If you stopped and attempted to exchange information but the other driver was hostile or threatening, you may have a defense. If you stopped and called 911 but left before police arrived because you feared for your safety, the circumstances may negate criminal intent. If you left to seek help or call for assistance, you haven’t abandoned the scene—you’ve taken reasonable steps to fulfill your duties. The specific facts surrounding your departure matter.
Mistaken Identity:Witness identifications are notoriously unreliable, especially in chaotic post-accident situations. Vehicle descriptions can match thousands of cars. Partial plate numbers can lead to the wrong vehicle. If the state’s case relies on eyewitness identification of your vehicle or person, challenging the reliability of that identification is critical. Were there similar vehicles in the area? How long did the witness observe? What were the lighting and weather conditions? Was the witness focused on their own situation rather than memorizing details? These questions undermine weak identification evidence.
Unlawful Stop or Search: If police located you through an unlawful traffic stop or conducted an illegal search of your vehicle or property, the evidence obtained may be suppressed. Fourth Amendment protections apply fully to hit and run investigations. If officers lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to search, your defense team can file motions to suppress evidence. Without that evidence, the state’s case may collapse.
Lack of Evidence: In many leaving the scene cases, the evidence is simply insufficient. Witnesses didn’t get a clear look. Surveillance footage is grainy or inconclusive. Damage to your vehicle is minimal or consistent with other causes. The state bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. When they can’t meet that burden, you’re entitled to an acquittal. Experienced defense attorneys know how to expose gaps in the evidence and argue reasonable doubt.
Accident Was Unavoidable: In some cases, proving the accident itself was unavoidable can negate criminal liability. If another driver’s reckless conduct caused the crash and you had no opportunity to avoid it, or if road conditions made the collision inevitable, this context can support your defense. While it doesn’t excuse leaving, it provides explanation and mitigation that can lead to charge reduction or dismissal.
Meltzer & Bell approaches every hit and run case with one question: where is the state’s case weakest? The team’s former prosecutors know how to spot those weaknesses because they used to rely on the same evidence to convict defendants. Now that experience works to protect your rights.
Don’t let a hit and run charge derail your future. The defense team at Meltzer & Bell has handled hundreds of traffic crime cases with real results. Call now for a free consultation.
Penalties and Consequences for Hit and Run Convictions
The statutory penalties for leaving the scene convictions are severe. Understanding the full scope of consequences is critical.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor (Property Damage Only):
- Up to 60 days in county jail
- Up to $500 fine
- Up to six months probation
- Six points on driving record
- Possible license suspension
- Court costs and fees
- Increased insurance rates
Even this “minor” hit and run charge creates a permanent criminal record and can lead to license suspension if combined with other points. First-time offenders often receive probation rather than jail, but judges have discretion to impose incarceration.
Third-Degree Felony (Injury):
- Up to five years in Florida State Prison
- Up to $5,000 fine
- Mandatory permanent driver’s license revocation (no exceptions)
- Permanent felony record
- Loss of firearm rights
- Loss of voting rights (until restored)
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Employment consequences
- Professional license consequences
The mandatory permanent license revocation is particularly devastating. Unlike DUI convictions where hardship licenses are possible, hit and run with injury convictions result in permanent revocation with no hardship eligibility. Your driving privilege is gone forever unless the governor grants clemency—an exceptionally rare occurrence.
Second-Degree Felony (Serious Bodily Injury):
- Up to 15 years in Florida State Prison
- Up to $10,000 fine
- Mandatory permanent driver’s license revocation
- Mandatory minimum two years prison if you knew or should have known of the serious injury
- All consequences of felony conviction listed above
The mandatory minimum two-year prison sentence applies when prosecutors prove you knew or should have known the crash caused serious bodily injury. This means the judge cannot sentence you to probation or a sentence below two years. You’re going to prison.
First-Degree Felony (Death):
- Up to 30 years in Florida State Prison
- Up to $10,000 fine
- Mandatory permanent driver’s license revocation
- Mandatory minimum four years prison if you knew or should have known of the death
- All consequences of felony conviction
When a crash results in death and the driver flees, prosecutors charge first-degree felony leaving the scene. If they prove you knew or should have known about the death, you face a mandatory four-year minimum sentence. The judge has no discretion. These cases often overlap with vehicular homicide charges or even manslaughter, creating exposure to additional charges and penalties.
Collateral Consequences: Beyond the statutory penalties, a hit and run conviction carries consequences that affect every aspect of your life:
- Employment: Felony convictions disqualify you from many jobs. Professional licenses (nursing, teaching, contracting, real estate) may be suspended or revoked. Background checks reveal the conviction permanently.
- Housing: Landlords routinely deny applications from people with felony records. Public housing eligibility may be affected.
- Education: Federal student aid may be denied. College admissions can be affected by felony convictions.
- Immigration: Non-citizens face deportation consequences for felony convictions. Crimes of moral turpitude and aggravated felonies can result in removal from the United States and permanent inadmissibility.
- Civil Liability: A criminal conviction can be used against you in a civil lawsuit arising from the same accident. It becomes virtually impossible to defend the civil case when you’ve been convicted criminally.
- Insurance: Even if you maintain a license (in property damage cases), insurance rates skyrocket. Some insurers drop customers with hit and run convictions entirely.
The stakes in hit and run cases go far beyond the immediate penalties. A conviction affects your ability to drive, work, live where you choose, and stay in the country. This is why experienced legal defense is not optional—it’s necessary.
What Happens After a Hit and Run Arrest in West Palm Beach
The process following a leaving the scene arrest moves quickly. Understanding each stage helps you prepare.
Investigation Phase: Many hit and run cases begin with a police investigation rather than an immediate arrest. Someone reports the accident, provides your license plate or vehicle description, and officers begin looking for you. They may come to your home, contact you by phone, or issue a warrant for your arrest. If you become aware that police are investigating you for leaving the scene of an accident, contact an attorney immediately before speaking to law enforcement. Anything you say will be used against you. Former prosecutors at Meltzer & Bell know exactly what police are looking for in these investigations and can protect your rights from the beginning.
Arrest and Booking: When arrested for leaving the scene, you’re transported to the Palm Beach County Jail (Main Detention Center on Gun Club Road or West Detention Center in Belle Glade). The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and background checks. For misdemeanor property damage charges, bond is typically low and you may be released quickly. For felony charges involving injuries, bond may be set higher or you may be held until first appearance.
First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, you appear before a judge for first appearance. The judge informs you of the charges, appoints a public defender if you qualify, and sets bond conditions. In felony leaving the scene cases, prosecutors often request high bonds or no bond based on the “danger to the community” and “flight risk” arguments. Having an experienced attorney present at first appearance can make a significant difference in bond amount and conditions. Meltzer & Bell’s 24/7 availability means we can be involved in your case immediately—even at first appearance.
Bond and Pretrial Release: If bond is set, you can post it and be released pending trial. Bond conditions in hit and run cases may include GPS monitoring, surrender of passport, no-contact orders with victims or witnesses, and regular check-ins with pretrial services. Violating bond conditions can result in revocation and re-incarceration. If you cannot afford the bond amount, your attorney can file a motion for bond reduction.
Arraignment: At arraignment, you formally enter a plea of guilty, no contest, or not guilty. In nearly all contested cases, the plea is not guilty. Arraignment is also when you receive formal notice of the charges and begin the pretrial phase. Your attorney may waive your appearance at arraignment if a written not guilty plea is filed.
Pretrial Motions and Discovery: The pretrial phase is where defense attorneys fight. Your defense team will:
- Review all discovery: police reports, witness statements, medical records, accident reconstruction reports, photos, video evidence
- Depose witnesses under oath
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- File motions to dismiss if the state cannot prove essential elements
- Challenge the sufficiency of the evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength
This phase can last several months. Prosecutors know which defense firms actually file motions and challenge evidence. When they see Meltzer & Bell on the other side, they know the defense isn’t bluffing. The firm’s 500+ jury trials give credibility that translates into better negotiation outcomes.
Negotiation: In many cases, effective pretrial motions and investigation lead to favorable plea offers or even dismissals. Prosecutors may reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, drop charges entirely if evidence is insufficient, or offer alternatives to incarceration for first-time offenders. Negotiation from strength—backed by trial readiness—produces results that negotiation from weakness never achieves.
Trial: If negotiation doesn’t produce an acceptable resolution, the case goes to trial. In misdemeanor cases, you can choose a jury trial or bench trial (judge only). In felonies, you have the right to a jury trial. At trial, prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense team presents evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and argues your innocence. The former prosecutors and public defenders at Meltzer & Bell have tried hundreds of cases through verdict. They know how to pick juries, challenge witnesses, and present defenses that create reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: If convicted at trial or through a plea agreement, sentencing occurs next. In felony cases, a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) is conducted. The defense presents mitigation evidence—your background, employment, family circumstances, lack of prior record—to argue for the lowest possible sentence. In cases with mandatory minimums, the judge has no discretion. In others, effective mitigation can mean the difference between prison and probation.
Post-Conviction Relief: Even after conviction, options may exist: appealing the conviction, filing a motion for post-conviction relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel, or seeking early termination of probation. Meltzer & Bell handles appeals and post-conviction matters for clients who were poorly represented at trial.
Every stage of a hit and run case presents opportunities for an experienced defense attorney to fight for you. The earlier you involve skilled legal counsel, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Time is critical after a hit and run arrest. Contact Meltzer & Bell now—available 24/7—for a free case evaluation.
Accident Reconstruction and Expert Witnesses in Hit and Run Cases
Many felony leaving the scene cases involve accident reconstruction experts. Prosecutors use these experts to establish how the crash occurred, the severity of impact, and whether the driver should have known about injuries or property damage.
Your defense team needs to challenge this evidence. Accident reconstruction is not foolproof science—it involves assumptions, estimates, and interpretations. Competing experts often reach different conclusions from the same physical evidence.
Common Issues in Accident Reconstruction:
- Speed estimates: Experts calculate speed based on skid marks, vehicle damage, and point of rest. These calculations involve assumptions about coefficient of friction, vehicle weight, and braking efficiency. Small changes in assumptions produce significantly different speed estimates.
- Impact severity: The amount of vehicle damage doesn’t always correlate with occupant injury. Modern vehicles are designed to crumple and absorb impact. Significant vehicle damage can occur in crashes where occupants are uninjured. Conversely, minor vehicle damage doesn’t rule out injury.
- Driver awareness: Reconstruction experts sometimes opine that “the driver must have known” about the crash based on impact severity. These opinions are speculative. Only the driver knows what they felt, heard, and perceived. Expert opinions about driver awareness should be challenged.
- Alternative explanations: Physical evidence may support multiple crash scenarios. Your defense expert can offer alternative reconstructions consistent with innocence or lack of knowledge.
Meltzer & Bell works with accident reconstruction experts who testify for the defense. When the state’s expert claims the crash was severe and the driver must have known, our experts challenge those conclusions with competing analyses. This creates reasonable doubt and undermines the state’s case.
Hit and Run Overlap With DUI Cases
Many leaving the scene cases involve alcohol. A driver has a few drinks, gets in an accident, panics about DUI consequences, and flees. Later, they face both DUI and hit and run charges—or just hit and run because alcohol evidence is lost.
The Prosecution Strategy: When prosecutors suspect alcohol was involved but cannot prove it due to the delay in apprehension, they use the leaving the scene charge as a substitute. They argue at sentencing that you fled to avoid DUI prosecution. Even without DUI charges, judges may consider suspected alcohol involvement as an aggravating factor.
The Defense Strategy: If you left the scene and consumed alcohol afterward, prosecutors may claim you drank before the accident and fled to avoid detection. This is called “reverse extrapolation”—trying to estimate your blood alcohol content at the time of the crash based on drinking after. These calculations are unreliable and should be challenged. Your attorney can argue that post-accident drinking explains any alcohol in your system and doesn’t prove pre-accident impairment.
If you face both DUI and leaving the scene charges, the stakes are even higher. Felony DUI with serious bodily injury carries up to five years. Felony leaving the scene with serious bodily injury carries up to 15 years. Combined, the exposure is devastating. Experienced defense counsel can sometimes negotiate resolution of both charges together, achieving a better outcome than treating them separately.
License Consequences and Hardship Applications
The driver’s license consequences of hit and run convictions are severe and, in many cases, permanent.
Property Damage Only (Misdemeanor): Six points are added to your driving record. If combined with other violations, this can trigger a suspension. First-time offenders may be eligible for traffic school to avoid points. The conviction also increases insurance rates significantly.
Injury (Third-Degree Felony): Mandatory permanent revocation of your driver’s license. Florida law provides no hardship license eligibility for leaving the scene convictions involving injury. Your driving privilege is revoked for life. The only way to restore it is through executive clemency from the governor—a process that takes years and is rarely successful.
This permanent revocation applies even to first-time offenders with no prior traffic violations. It doesn’t matter if you have a perfect driving record—if you’re convicted of felony hit and run with injury, you lose your license forever.
Serious Bodily Injury or Death (Felonies): Mandatory permanent revocation with no hardship eligibility, just like injury cases. The severity of the felony doesn’t change the license consequence—it’s permanent revocation in all cases.
Why License Revocation Matters: Losing your driver’s license permanently affects every aspect of life in Florida. You cannot legally drive to work, take your children to school, go to the grocery store, or attend medical appointments. You become dependent on others or public transportation—which is limited in much of Palm Beach County. Employment opportunities narrow dramatically when you cannot drive. Many jobs require a valid license even if driving isn’t the primary duty.
This is why fighting felony hit and run charges is so critical. A conviction doesn’t just mean potential prison time—it means the permanent loss of your ability to drive. This consequence alone justifies hiring the best defense team available.
Why Choose Meltzer & Bell for Your Hit and Run Defense
When you face leaving the scene charges in Palm Beach County, you need a defense team with specific experience in traffic crimes, accident cases, and serious felony defense. Meltzer & Bell brings all three.
Former Prosecutors Who Know the System: The founding partners include a former felony special unit prosecutor and a former major crimes public defender. They’ve handled traffic crimes from both sides of the courtroom. They know how prosecutors evaluate hit and run cases, what evidence they consider strong, and where their cases are vulnerable. That knowledge is your advantage.
Board Certified Criminal Trial Expertise: Having a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney on your case means you’re represented by someone The Florida Bar recognizes as an expert in criminal trial practice. Fewer than 1% of Florida lawyers achieve this certification. It requires extensive trial experience, peer recognition, and rigorous examination. When your case involves potential felony prison time and permanent license revocation, board certified expertise matters.
500+ Jury Trials Through Verdict: Most criminal cases never go to trial. Most defense attorneys never actually try cases. Meltzer & Bell has taken over 500 cases through jury verdict. Prosecutors know which defense firms are trial-ready and which ones will fold under pressure. When they see Meltzer & Bell on the other side, they know the case will be fought at every stage. This credibility produces better outcomes—even in cases that resolve without trial.
We Don’t Just Negotiate Pleas: Many defense firms take your money and immediately start negotiating the “best deal” with prosecutors. That’s not defense—that’s case processing. Meltzer & Bell investigates every angle, challenges every piece of evidence, files motions to suppress and dismiss, and builds a complete defense strategy before negotiating. We negotiate from strength, not surrender. Sometimes the best resolution is a negotiated plea—but we reach that conclusion after fighting, not before.
1,000+ Five-Star Google Reviews: More than a thousand clients have trusted Meltzer & Bell with their freedom and their future. The overwhelming majority gave five-star reviews. That’s not marketing—that’s a track record of results and client care that speaks for itself. When you’re facing serious criminal charges, you want a firm with proven success and satisfied clients.
24/7 Availability for Criminal Emergencies: Hit and run arrests don’t happen during business hours. You might be arrested late at night, on weekends, or on holidays. Meltzer & Bell provides around-the-clock availability for criminal emergencies. When you call, an attorney answers—not an answering service. The team can begin working on your case immediately, including bond hearings and first appearance.
Local Knowledge of Palm Beach County Courts: The defense team knows the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in the Palm Beach County Courthouse on Dixie Highway. They know which prosecutors are reasonable and which ones are aggressive. They know which judges are defense-friendly and which ones are prosecution-oriented. This local knowledge informs strategy at every stage.
Experience With All Hit and Run Scenarios: Meltzer & Bell has defended clients facing:
- Property damage hit and run charges
- Felony hit and run with injuries
- Felony hit and run with serious bodily injury
- Hit and run involving fatalities
- Cases with weak driver identification
- Cases where the defendant didn’t know a crash occurred
- Cases involving post-accident panic
- Cases combined with DUI charges
- Cases involving accident reconstruction disputes
Whatever the specific facts of your case, the team has seen similar cases and knows how to build effective defenses.
Your Consultation Is Free and Confidential: Meltzer & Bell offers a free case evaluation to anyone facing hit and run charges in South Florida. This consultation is completely confidential—attorney-client privilege attaches from your first conversation. You can speak freely about what happened without fear that your words will be used against you. The team will review the facts, explain your options, and provide honest guidance about what to expect. There’s no obligation and no pressure—just experienced legal advice when you need it most.
Contact a West Palm Beach Hit and Run Lawyer Today
A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in Florida changes your life. Felony charges mean prison time, permanent loss of your driver’s license, and a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and your future. Even misdemeanor charges create a permanent record and insurance consequences. You cannot afford to take these charges lightly.
The defense team at Meltzer & Bell has defended hundreds of hit and run cases throughout Palm Beach County. The team includes former prosecutors who know how these cases are built and a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney with experience taking cases through verdict. With over 500 jury trials and more than 1,000 five-star reviews, this is the trial-ready, results-focused defense your case demands.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. Early intervention by an experienced defense attorney can make the difference between conviction and dismissal, between prison and freedom, between permanent license revocation and keeping your driving privilege.
Call Meltzer & Bell now at (561) 557-8686 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7—because criminal charges don’t wait, and neither should your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Lawyers in West Palm Beach
What should I do if I’m accused of leaving the scene of an accident in West Palm Beach?
Do not speak to police without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Contact Meltzer & Bell immediately at (561) 557-8686 for a free consultation. Our attorneys are available 24/7 and can protect your rights from the beginning. The earlier we’re involved, the better we can defend your case.
What are the penalties for hit and run in Florida?
Penalties depend on the severity of the accident. Property damage only is a second-degree misdemeanor with up to 60 days jail. Hit and run with injury is a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison and mandatory permanent license revocation. Hit and run with serious bodily injury is a second-degree felony with up to 15 years. Hit and run involving death is a first-degree felony with up to 30 years and mandatory minimum sentences if you knew or should have known of the death.
Will I lose my driver’s license forever if convicted of felony hit and run?
Yes. Florida law mandates permanent revocation of your driver’s license for any hit and run conviction involving injury, serious bodily injury, or death. There is no hardship license eligibility. The only way to restore driving privileges after permanent revocation is through executive clemency from the governor—a process that takes years and rarely succeeds. This is why fighting felony hit and run charges is so critical.
What if I didn’t know I was in an accident?
Lack of knowledge is a complete defense to leaving the scene charges. If you genuinely didn’t realize your vehicle made contact with another vehicle or object, you cannot be convicted. This commonly occurs with minor parking lot contacts, debris strikes, or situations where impact was minimal. Your defense attorney can argue that you lacked the required knowledge that a crash occurred, negating criminal intent.
Can I be charged with hit and run if no one was injured and there was minimal damage?
Yes. Florida law requires you to stop and exchange information after any crash, regardless of damage severity. Even minor parking lot fender benders trigger the duty to remain and provide information. However, property-damage-only hit and run is a misdemeanor, not a felony. The penalties are much less severe, and first-time offenders often receive probation rather than jail time.
What if someone else was driving my car?
If you weren’t the driver, you cannot be convicted of leaving the scene. The state must prove you personally were behind the wheel. However, prosecutors may pressure you to identify the actual driver. You have no legal obligation to incriminate someone else. Your attorney can assert your rights and challenge the state’s driver identification evidence without requiring you to name anyone else.
How much does a hit and run lawyer in West Palm Beach cost?
Legal fees vary based on the severity of the charges and complexity of the case. Misdemeanor property damage cases cost less than felony cases involving serious injuries. Meltzer & Bell offers free consultations where we review your case and provide transparent pricing. We also offer payment plans to make experienced legal defense accessible. Given the stakes—potential prison time and permanent license loss—investing in experienced defense counsel is critical.
Can hit and run charges be dropped or dismissed?
Yes, if the evidence is insufficient. Common grounds for dismissal include: inability to prove you were the driver, lack of evidence that a crash occurred, proof that you didn’t know about the accident, constitutional violations in the investigation, or witness identification problems. Meltzer & Bell’s defense team investigates every angle and files motions to dismiss when the evidence doesn’t support conviction.
Will I go to jail for hit and run in Florida?
It depends on the charge level and whether you have a prior record. For property-damage-only misdemeanor cases, first-time offenders often receive probation rather than jail. For felony hit and run with injuries, prison is a real possibility—especially if the case involves serious bodily injury or death with mandatory minimum sentences. An experienced defense attorney can fight for alternatives to incarceration even in serious cases.
What happens at my first court appearance after a hit and run arrest?
At first appearance, the judge informs you of the charges, appoints counsel if you cannot afford an attorney, and sets bond. In felony cases, prosecutors often argue for high bonds based on flight risk or danger to the community. Having an experienced attorney present at first appearance can make a significant difference in bond amount and conditions. Meltzer & Bell’s 24/7 availability means we can represent you from the very beginning.
Can I get my record sealed or expunged after a hit and run conviction in Florida?
No. Florida law prohibits sealing or expunging records for traffic-related convictions, including leaving the scene offenses. If you’re convicted, the record is permanent. This is another reason why fighting the charges is so important. If charges are dismissed or you’re found not guilty, you may be eligible for sealing or expungement. Meltzer & Bell handles record sealing and expungement matters for clients whose charges were dismissed.
What if I left the scene because I was scared or panicked?
Fear and panic are understandable human reactions, but they don’t legally excuse leaving the scene. However, they can be powerful mitigation factors that influence prosecutorial decisions and sentencing. If you left due to fear for your safety, if you were in shock from the accident, or if you intended to report the crash but were arrested first, these facts can support negotiation for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. An experienced attorney presents your side of the story persuasively.
Should I talk to the police about my hit and run case?
No. Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. Police are trained to obtain incriminating statements. They may tell you that “it will be better if you cooperate” or that they “just want to hear your side.” These are tactics to get you to make admissions. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney immediately. Meltzer & Bell protects your rights from the first moment of contact with law enforcement.
Can I be charged with both DUI and hit and run for the same accident?
Yes. Leaving the scene and driving under the influence are separate offenses arising from the same incident. Prosecutors routinely charge both when alcohol or drugs are suspected. Combined exposure can be severe: up to five years for felony DUI with serious bodily injury, plus up to 15 years for felony hit and run with serious bodily injury. Meltzer & Bell defends clients facing multiple charges from the same accident and works to negotiate comprehensive resolutions that minimize total exposure.
How long does a hit and run case take in Palm Beach County?
Case timelines vary. Misdemeanor cases may resolve in a few months. Felony cases involving serious injuries often take six months to over a year, especially if they proceed to trial. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the evidence involved, pretrial motion practice, and whether the case resolves through negotiation or goes to trial. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
