Tuesday, November 8, 2011

More Troopers in Florida Trained to Investigate Accidents

St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the DHSMV’s plan to put more criminal traffic investigators on Florida roadways.


Issue:

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) department intends to increase the number of troopers specializing in investigating car accidents involving fatalities on the road.  The state department is increasing efforts so all troopers will be able to investigate car accidents that occur on Florida’s roadways.

The department asserts that the purpose of increasing the number of troopers is to begin an investigation immediately, as opposed to waiting for an investigator to arrive at the scene of the accident.

Currently, new recruits are being trained to investigate these accidents, and in February, current troopers will also undergo additional training to learn how to investigate accidents.



Why This Matters To You:

Additional investigative officers on Florida’s roads will undoubtedly increase the number of arrests for traffic crimes in Tampa and the surrounding areas.

Individuals who are involved in single car accidents will immediately be investigated for a variety of criminal offenses and possibly be charged with a criminal traffic offense due to inexperienced investigators who are potentially eager and overzealous.

Although increasing the number of investigators on the road will lead to faster response times to resolve fatal accidents, the efficiency will also lead to quicker criminal charges for traffic crimes such as reckless driving or driving while intoxicated (DWI).


What To Do Next:

If you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense contact a St. Petersburg Traffic Crimes Lawyer to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case.  Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation.  The Morris Law Firm can help.  Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in defending traffic offenses and representing alleged criminal traffic offenders throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay, FL Area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Bradenton, Manatee, and Sarasota).