Tallahassee—Legislation filed by Senator Victor D. Crist (R-Tampa) seeks to strengthen penalties for those who leave the scene following a hit-and-run accident. This bill is entitled the “Wilkins-Caldwell Act,” in memory of two young children who lost their lives in 2004 in a hit-and-run accident.
“I am sure everyone can remember the terrible tragedy that befell Durontae Caldwell and Bryant Wilkins when they were fatally injured by a motorist while crossing N. 22nd Street in Tampa,” said Senator Crist. “The driver callously fled the scene, not turning herself in to authorities until days later. This is not acceptable.”
Specifically, the bill would require a minimum mandatory sentence of 2 years for a driver who willfully leaves the scene of an accident resulting in injury and does not report the accident to law enforcement within the specified twenty-four hour period. If the accident results in death and is not reported within the designated time period, the driver would receive a 4-year sentence.
