Miami Man’s Arrest Years After Alleged Hit-and-Run Accident Shows Importance of Statute of Limitations – Learn About the Statute of Limitations in Miami Criminal Cases

The arrest of a Miami man years after an alleged hit-and-run car accident left one dead provides a stark example of how a person can be arrested long after allegedly committing a crime under Florida laws. According to local news reports, a now 24-year-old Miami man was arrested this week on Monday for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run car accident in which one person was killed back in October, 2020. The incident that gave rise to the 24-year-old Miami man’s arrest happened all the way back on October 7, 2020. On that day, Miami woman Renee Symonette was killed in a car accident in Miami Gardens. Reports indicate that on that October evening, Symonette was driving her Mercedes Benz along Northwest 37th Avenue in Miami Gardens. As she made a left turn at the intersection of Northwest 179th Street, the 24-year-old defendant allegedly “slammed into her car, head-on, at 89 mph in his black 2016 Nissan Maxima.” The Maxima was reported to have crashed into a chain link fence after colliding with Symonette’s Mercedes, and the Mercedes simultaneously stopped in the street. The occupants of the Maxima, including the then-19-year-old defendant were reported to have “jumped out of the car as it became engulfed in flames,” and Symonette died at the scene. The passenger that was riding in Symonette’s car was taken to the hospital.

An investigation into the then 19-year-old suspected hit-and-run driver revealed that he did not have a driver’s license, but rather only a learner’s permit, and there was no licensed driver in the vehicle at the time of the accident that was over 21 years old, as required by Florida laws. It is “not clear what investigative steps were taken over the next five years,” but the now-24-year-old suspect was arrested this week, after an “unrelated brush with law enforcement.” When he was arrested, law enforcement officers located an active arrest warrant for the fatal 2020 crash involving Symonette in his record.

Statutes of Limitation in Miami Criminal Cases – How Long Can a Suspect be Prosecuted? 

Individuals in Miami and those who have learned about the arrest of the now-24-year-old Miami man may wonder whether he can still be prosecuted for a crime that happened nearly five years ago. The reality is that under Florida laws, individuals may be charged with crimes during the statute of limitations period set forth by the law. The situation can become more complicated, however, if an arrest warrant was issued before the statute of limitations expires in a case. In these situations, it may be possible for the State of Florida to still prosecute a criminal defendant, even if the arrest happens years later. The statute of limitations is an important issue in Miami criminal cases and can impact your rights, so it is always best to consult with an experienced Miami criminal attorney about the statute of limitations in your case.

If you are in the Miami area and you need legal help with your Miami criminal case, contact the experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm. The experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm are here to help Miami individuals defend themselves against the criminal charges against them. Contact AsiliA Law Firm today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-gardens/article309337715.html