Aggressive Statewide Florida DUI Defense Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Jacksonville Dad Arrested for DUI with a Minor and LSA

November 22, 2011

A drunk-driving accident, collision, or hit-and-run can lead to a considerably greater penalty in a DUI case. Aside from the probable DMV consequences in these types of cases, it is specifically imperative to consult with an experienced Florida DUI Defense Attorney right away.

The Florida Times-Union is reporting that a 41-year-old Jacksonville, Florida man was arrested Friday shortly before 9 p.m. for drunk driving and a hit-and-run accident while accompanied by his two young daughters and young son, aged 5, 6 and 9.

Police allegedly stopped the man after noticing his Toyota driving erratically. Officers at the scene supposedly noted the man had slurred speech and a strong presence of alcohol.

During the stop, dispatchers allegedly matched the Toyota the man was driving to a hit-and-run accident where another vehicle was rear-ended.

Police apparently found the man’s three children in the passenger side and rear seat after looking inside the man’s vehicle. The children were released to their mother.

The alleged victim of the hit-and-run was brought to the scene and supposedly confirmed the man’s car as the one that hit her and then fled.

According to a police report, the man supposedly told police he had consumed three beers and codeine. During the investigation, he allegedly fell asleep in the patrol car.

The man was charged with DUI while accompanied by a minor, DUI causing damage, leaving the scene of an accident and careless driving.

Numerous hit-and-run accidents involve people who have consumed alcohol or drugs.
Sometimes a driver, who may or may not be legally drunk, may leave the scene of an accident because they are scared of being charged by police for DUI. On the other hand, a driver who has been drinking may not even realize he or she hit another car. A vital role in the defense of a DUI hit-and-run accident involves the question of intent. Did the driver of the car that hit another vehicle actually realize he or she had been in a collision and consciously and deliberately leave the accident scene? The charges against you may be reduced if it can be shown that you did not intentionally leave the scene of an accident because you were afraid of being charged with DUI. The Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can further investigate your case and prepare a defense to combat allegations of DUI and hit and run.

The consequences for a conviction of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident varies depending on who or what was involved and if any serious injuries occurred. A conviction for hit and run can result in jail, fines, and the loss of your license. When you face criminal charges of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident in Florida, you should consult with the Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible.

Our Office assists individuals arrested for DUI throughout the State of Florida including Jacksonville, Bartow, Brooksville, Boca Raton, Bronson, Bushnell, Clearwater, Dade City, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Inverness, The Keys, Miami, Naples, New Port Richey, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee and Tavares as well as everywhere in between.

If you have been arrested or charged with any type of DUI-related offense in the state of Florida, contact the Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC online or reach us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).