A Nissan Altima believed to have been the car that struck and killed a Coral Gables bicyclist during a hit-and-run this week has been located.
The car, which sustained severe front-end and windshield damage, was found hidden behind a fence at a home near Coral Gables.
The driver of the car has not yet been identified.
As a criminal defense attorney who represents clients in hit-and-run cases, I cannot stress the importance of maintaining your right to remain silent. Without proof as to who was driving the car, a person cannot be charged with the crime. If you admit that you were driving, you have just incriminated yourself. Coupled with the physical evidence, the confession is sufficient to convict you.
Leaving the scene of an accident causing death is a first-degree felony punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison. As of July 1, 2014, the mandatory prison sentence went from 2 years to 4 years.
Eric Matheny is a Miami Hit and Run Lawyer and Broward Hit And Run Lawyer.