Motor vehicle crimes are among the criminal offenses that are prosecuted most frequently in the Sunshine State. Motor vehicle crimes can refer to any violation relating to the act of driving any type of motor vehicle on a public road. Being accused of a motor vehicle crime in Panama City can result in severe penalties, including incarceration, probation, and the revocation of your driver’s license, as well as a permanent criminal record. Whatever the charges may be, and regardless of their seriousness, an experienced Panama City criminal defense attorney can help you avoid the most severe penalties.
Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Under Florida Statute §812.014, grand theft of a motor vehicle is defined as the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. Penalties for grand theft of a motor vehicle depend on the value of the vehicle and the defendant’s prior criminal history.
Possible defenses for grand theft of a motor vehicle charges include:
- Lack of intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle
- Consent from the owner
- Mistaken identity
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is the killing of a human being when operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner that is likely to cause significant or fatal bodily harm to another. Penalties for vehicular homicide can include up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Possible defenses for vehicular homicide charges include:
- Lack of recklessness
- Mechanical failure of the vehicle
- Unavoidable accident
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Florida law requires drivers who have been involved in crashes to remain at the scene and exchange information with other parties. Fleeing the scene, especially if it results in bodily injury, can lead to severe penalties, including up to five years in state prison and a $5,000 fine.
Defenses that could be used for leaving the scene of an accident include:
- Lack of knowledge about the accident
- Duress or necessity
- Mistaken identity
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08 percent constitutes a DUI in Florida, regardless of whether the driver’s faculties are impaired. DUI convictions can result in license suspension, fines, and even jail time.
Possible legal defenses in DUI cases include:
- Challenging the validity of BAC tests
- Questioning the legality of the traffic stop
- Demonstrating that the defendant’s faculties were not impaired
DUI Manslaughter
DUI manslaughter, as defined in Florida Statute section 316.193, is the killing of a human being while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Penalties for DUI manslaughter can include up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
As the penalties for vehicular manslaughter may be less severe if alcohol was not a factor, defenses for DUI manslaughter charges include:
- Challenging the validity of BAC tests
- Questioning the legality of the traffic stop
- Demonstrating that the defendant’s faculties were not impaired at the time of the accident
Fleeing and Eluding an Officer
Fleeing and eluding is the failure to stop or stay stopped when ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer. Penalties can include prison time and license revocation, depending on the severity of the offense.
Possible defenses for this charge include:
- Lack of intent to flee
- Mistaken identity
- Duress or necessity
Contact Our Experienced Motor Vehicle Crimes Defense Attorney Today
Facing motor vehicle crime charges can cause significant disruption in your life in the short term and can give you a permanent criminal record in the long term. Your most effective means of avoiding these consequences is to engage a skilled criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida.
The seasoned team at The Sombathy Law Firm has more than 30 years of experience helping individuals defend themselves against criminal charges, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a Board-Certified criminal trial attorney.
