A Florida International University doctoral student is in critical condition after allegedly being struck by a hit-and-run driver.
The alleged victim has serious injuries, which means that if an arrest is made, the accused driver will be charged with the third-degree felony offense of leaving the scene of an accident (LSA) causing serious bodily injury. This crime is punishable by up to 5 years in Florida prison.
If the alleged victim should die, the crime becomes a first-degree felony.
So far, the police have no leads as to make or model of the vehicle. However, police believe that the car would have sustained serious damage and will be looking for cars that indicate such damage, or have been brought to body shops for repair.
In Florida, if you are involved in a hit-and-run and bring your car to a body shop for repairs prior to reporting the accident, you could be charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward. Attorney Eric Matheny represents clients charged with leaving the scene of an accident offenses.