An arrest for DUI alone comes with tough penalties. However, it becomes more serious and complicated if you are caught leaving the site of an accident that involves property damage or an injury and are found to be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or some type of controlled substance.

If you fail to take immediate action to reduce the legal consequences of the situation, you may face serious repercussions. If the DUI charge involves a hit and a run that causes a fatality, it may carry more serious penalties.

According to Florida law, a driver involved in an accident is required to stay at or as close to the site of the incident as possible. It’s considered a criminal offense if you don’t do this. It’s also necessary that the driver’s license is displayed to another driver, or the law enforcement official when requested.

It’s mandated that a driver provides “reasonable assistance” to someone injured by calling for or by providing emergency transport for the injured individual. If there’s no police officer at the scene, and the circumstances keep the driver from providing aid to someone who is injured, the driver must report the accident at the closest police station.

Potential Punishments for Leaving the Scene of an Accident While Intoxicated

If you leave the accident scene, that doesn’t involve a DUI, it may result in fines that range from $500 to as much as $10,000 if there was a fatality. You may also face a jail term that ranges from 60 days to 30 years for fatal accidents.

If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and responsible for a hit and run accident, a DUI charge may be added to the other penalties. The possible punishment for a DUI conviction includes fines ranging from $500 up to $5,000 along with six months or more in jail.

Other Possible Consequences

In addition to the above-mentioned jail time, there are other penalties that may be imposed based on the circumstances. This may include, but isn’t limited to the following:

• Community service
• Revocation or suspension of your license
• The installation of an ignition lock-out device on the vehicle
• The mandatory attendance of a substance abuse program
• Loss of a person’s ability to use their vehicle

The Far-Reaching Effects of a DUI to Your Day-to-Day Routine

In addition to the disruption of your day-to-day routine that may occur because of these consequences, consider that most of the penalties will cost money out of your pocket. If you are required to attend a substance abuse program, you’re going to have to pay for it. If a device has to be installed on the vehicle to make sure you aren’t drinking and driving again, you have to pay for that, too.

If you are facing a DUI charge that involves a hit and run, it’s best to contact an attorney. They can ensure your receive the representation needed for your case.