After spending decades serving patients, a doctor left one man for dead. What consequences will a Tampa man face for leaving the scene after fatally hitting a man in a wheelchair with his vehicle?

A Hit and Run

In the early evening on October 12, 2024, Gwyn Norman Crump Jr., 62, a licensed physician, was driving his Ford F-250 pickup truck on East 124th Avenue in a Tampa neighborhood east of the University of South Florida.

At the same time, Richard Taylor, 55, was moving along the side of the street in a wheelchair. At around 7:35 p.m., the two men collided. When Crump’s pickup truck hit Taylor, the physician, who is licensed in Florida and North Carolina and practices occupational, preventative and family medicine, didn’t stop.

Taylor was injured and taken to AdventHealth Tampa where he later died from his injuries, per reporting by the Tampa Bay Times. Crump fled the scene.

Related: Injured in a Car Accident? Here’s What You Need to Do Right Away.

The Evidence

Crump attempted to leave the scene unnoticed, but authorities quickly connected him to the accident.

According to a new release issued by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, several witnesses saw the hit-and-run and gave a description of Crump’s pickup truck. An HCSO Real Time Crime Center camera also picked up footage of the accident. Authorities were able to use the witness accounts and footage to identify the vehicle tag registered to Crump’s wife.

When police arrived at Crump’s residence on Davis Islands, Crump admitted that he had been driving, but he didn’t not say he had been in an accident. Police later found his truck parked on the fifth-floor garage of a condominium building at the corner of Bayshore Boulevard and Platt Street. The truck had front-end damage.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

The Charges & Potential Consequences

Crump was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with death.

Under Florida Statute 316.062, drivers are required to stop, give information, and render aid if involved in a traffic accident that causes injury. It states, “The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash occurring on public or private property which results in injury to a person other than serious bodily injury shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, and shall remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements.”

Failure to adhere to the law comes with serious consequences. Leaving the scene after an accident that leads to death is classified as a first-degree felony. It carries potential penalties of license revocation, a $10,000 fine, up to 30 years of probation, and up to 30 years in prison.

If the driver is found to have been driving under the influence, the consequences may increase.  According to reporting by FOX 59, Crump was previously charged with DUI in 1996 and again in 2003, but at this time, there is no evidence that he was driving under the influence when he hit and killed Taylor.

Related: Stopped and Arrested for a DUI in Florida? Here’s What to Do Next    

What To Do If You’re In a Traffic Accident

Being in a traffic accident is an upsetting experience. You may be in shock or physically injured after a collision, but it is imperative that you take the proper steps to protect yourself after an accident.

If you are in a traffic accident, never flee the scene. First, stop the car and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Next, check on the other party involved. If anyone is injured, call 911, request an ambulance, and stay on the scene until help arrives.

Even if no one is hurt in the accident, you still need to stop and collect and share information after the incident. You are required by law to share your name, address, vehicle registration information, and driver’s license information if someone has been injured. You also need to gather information to protect yourself even if no one is injured.

Gathering information after an accident will help you:

• Prove damages to insurance companies
• Determine and prove fault in the accident
• Provide defense in the event that you are sued or charged after the accident
• Provide evidence in the event that you sue another party after the accident

Being in a car accident can lead to both serious injuries and serious legal consequences. Take the moments after the incident seriously, and contact an auto accident attorney or a personal injury attorney right away to help guide you through the aftermath.

Related: 5 Reasons to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash 

Talk to an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney Today

If you have been involved in an auto accident, get professional advice to protect yourself and your interests. An experienced attorney knows what you need to do to prevent unwarranted claims and to get full benefits from your insurance company. To discuss the details of an auto accident, talk to attorney TJ Grimaldi today. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.

In one second, everything changed for two men in Tampa’s popular SoHo district. A man lost his life and another now faces serious criminal charges. What happened, and what consequences await the man charged with DUI manslaughter?

A Deadly Accident in SoHo

Tampa’s SoHo district, named for the street South Howard, is a popular nightlight area with a strip of bars and restaurants. It’s not uncommon for the street to be busy late at night when the bars close, as was the case in the early hours of October 22, 2024.

At around 2:45 a.m., a 35-year-old man was standing near the edge of the street. Another man, 27-year-old Pjeter Nesti Paci was pulling his Chevrolet pickup out of a plaza located at the 400 block of South Howard Avenue. Paci failed to come to a complete stop prior to entering the roadway, and he hit the man standing near the street, per reporting by the Tampa Bay Times.

Paci stopped his vehicle and stayed on the scene. The injured man was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Now, Paci is facing serious charges for the accident. On November 1, 2024, Paci was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter.

Related: Stopped and Arrested for a DUI in Florida? Here’s What to Do Next   

Facing DUI Charges

Paci is facing DUI charges. In Florida, a first-time DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor and does not include minimum jail time. Most first-time DUI offenders will lose their driver’s license for 180 days to one year.

First-time DUI charges are escalated if:

• The driver had a very high BAC
• There was a passenger under 18
• Property was damaged during the incident
• Someone was injured or killed during the incident

Under Florida Statutes 316.193, a DUI resulting in death is a second-degree felony that comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Because a man died during Paci’s DUI incident, he faces more serious charges.

Related: What to Expect From a First Offense DUI   

Facing DUI Manslaughter Charges

Paci’s charges were escalated to a DUI manslaughter charge.

In Florida, manslaughter is defined by Florida Statute 782.07 as “the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence.” In a murder charge, one person intends to harm or kill another. In a manslaughter charge, there is no premeditation to harm or kill another. In manslaughter cases, the defendant has done one or more of the following:

• Intentionally completed an act that led to the death of another person.
• Persuaded or encouraged another person to complete an act that led to that person’s death.
• Was culpably negligent which led to the death of another person.

Driving under the influence and harming another meets the criteria for intentional killing of another person. Manslaughter by culpable negligence is a second-degree felony that can result in 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and up to a $10,000 fine.

While a person can be charged with DUI or manslaughter as separate crimes, they become one charge when the crimes occur at the same time. Paci’s crimes were combined into one charge, DUI manslaughter.

Related: How Likely Is Jail Time for First DUI in Florida?

Facing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In addition to facing serious criminal charges, Paci could face additional legal action in civil court.

The family of the man who was killed could seek to sue for wrongful death. Wrongful death lawsuits are filed in cases where the negligence of a person or company led to the death of an individual. Families of the deceased can seek financial damages from the negligent party to cover:

• Pre-death medical bills
• Cost of funeral and burial
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Emotional distress of surviving family
• Loss of financial contribution

At this time, it does not seem that the family of the deceased has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Paci. In Florida, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of death, so the family has time to determine if they will move forward with a civil case.

In the meantime, Paci will face serious criminal charges in court in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case?

Talk to a DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

A DUI is a serious crime that can come with serious consequences. If you have been charged with DUI, do not take the situation lightly. Talk to an experienced DUI attorney right away. Make a plan for your case by talking to attorney TJ Grimaldi. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today to take the first step to protecting your rights and freedom.

When a newborn baby was found dead on a college campus in Tampa, there were many questions. Now, we have some answers. We know what led to the death of the infant, and the mother is being charged with manslaughter. What does it mean for her future?

A Tragic Incident at the University of Tampa

In April 2024, authorities were called to a dorm on the campus of the University of Tampa. Students heard what they thought was a baby crying. Police arrived on the scene and found blood in one of the bathrooms connected to two dorm rooms. A student, Brianna L. Moore, said the blood was from her menstruation. The call was deemed medical, and police left the scene.

Police returned when campus security called them the next day to report a possible deceased fetus in a bag in the trash. Police then found the remains of a dead newborn.

At that time, Moore shared the real story.

Moore said she didn’t know she was pregnant, although she thinks she was in denial. After not feeling well the previous day, she gave birth in the bathroom attached to her dorm room. She said the baby cried for about five seconds and then went quiet. She put her hand on the baby’s chest and didn’t feel anything. Moore said she cleaned the baby, wrapped it in a towel, and placed it in a trash can after it showed no signs of life.

Now, police are charging her for the crime.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

An Illegal Act

Roughly six months after the baby was found, Moore was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, unlawful storage of human remains, and failure to report a death.

Moore admitted to placing the baby’s body in the trash container to police, but it took months for her to be officially charged. Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez said she struggled with the case.

According to reports by the Tampa Bay Times, Lopez sought input from “nationally known experts” to ensure they handled the case properly.

“This is a case that has kept me up at night,” she said during a news conference. “The bottom line, though, is this: Brianna Moore took actions that directly led to the death of this newborn baby girl. And in doing so, she broke the law.”

Evidence that led Lopez to file charges included a medical examiner’s report. The report said the baby had a broken spine, broken ribs, and bleeding in her lungs. The report said the cause of death was asphyxiation, and the manner of death was homicide.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case? 

The Consequences of Manslaughter

Moore was arrested in her home state of Mississippi, but she will face criminal charges in Florida. The extradition proceedings and her return to Hillsborough County could take weeks. When Moore returns to Florida, she will face serious charges.

Aggravated manslaughter is defined in Florida Statute 782.07(3). It refers to, “A person who causes the death of any person under the age of 18 by culpable negligence under s. 827.03(2)(b).”

Aggravated manslaughter is considered a homicide. It’s a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison, life on probation, and a $10,000 fine. The minimum punishment for the charge is 13 years in prison.

Related: Parents Charged with Manslaughter After Child Left in Their Car Dies

The Consequences of Child Neglect

Moore also faces charges of child neglect.

Child neglect is defined under Florida Statute 827.03 and refers to someone who, ”Knowingly or willfully abuses a child and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child.”

Child neglect that leads to serious bodily harm is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison or 15 years probation and a $10,000 fine.

Related: Woman Faces Manslaughter Charges After Failing to Restrain Child in Car Seat

Protecting Newborns

Florida’s Safe Haven law allows parents to anonymously give unwanted newborns to hospital staff or a fire station within 30 days after a birth. Expectant mothers who need resources can find help with The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by calling 211, the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4047 or The National Safe Haven Alliance Hotline at 888-510-2229.

Talk to an Attorney You Can Trust

When facing criminal charges, whether a misdemeanor or felony, make sure you have a trusted attorney by your side. Talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.

Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 to talk to experienced criminal defense attorney TJ Grimaldi.

For months, rumors about music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs have been circulating. There were multiple reports that Combs would soon be charged with major federal crimes, and now, it has happened. Combs was finally arrested.

What are the charges against him, and what potential consequences does he face?

How Did We Get Here?

The first major sign that Sean “Diddy” Combs was in trouble with the law came on March 25, 2024, when federal agents with U.S. Homeland Security raided Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami.

Prior to the raid, Combs had faced multiple civil charges accusing him of abuse, but the raid was the first sign that Combs was going to potentially face criminal charges.

During the raids, authorities seized 96 electronic devices. According to PBS, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson called the information on the devices “extraordinary.” The files provided evidence used to charge Combs.

In June 2024, we reported that a grand jury was going to hear the allegations against Combs. During a grand jury hearing, the jury hears evidence against a defendant and determines whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges. In this case, the jury chose to proceed with charges against Combs.

Related: Why Did Federal Agents Raid The Homes of Sean “Diddy” Combs?    

Combs Arrested on Federal Criminal Charges

On September 16, 2024, Combs was arrested at a New York City hotel and charged with serious crimes the Justice Department says goes back decades.

The federal indictment alleges “that between 2008 and the present, Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.”

Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that at least since 2008, “Combs abused, threatened and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.”

Combs was officially charged with:

• Racketeering Conspiracy: which is defined as criminal agreement between individuals to participate in or facilitate illegal activities, such as fraud, extortion, or bribery, as part of an organized group
• Sex Trafficking: which is defined as exploiting others through force, fraud, or coercion for commercial sex acts or engaging in trafficking minors for sexual purposes
• Transportation to Engage in Prostitution: which is defined as knowingly transporting individuals across state or international borders with the intent for them to engage in prostitution or other unlawful sexual activity

Many Civil Lawsuits Still Pending

The criminal charges come in the wake of numerous civil cases against Combs that allege abuse, sexual assault, and rape.

The civil cases include lawsuits filed by:

• Joie Dickerson-Neal, alleging that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her while she was a college student in 1991.
• Liza Gardner who says Combs assaulted and raped her.
• Producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones who says he was “subjected to unwanted advances by associates of Combs at his direction.”

Now, in addition to these cases, Combs may face even more civil charges.

Texas-based lawyer Tony Buzbee says he is representing 120 accusers who plan to file civil lawsuits across multiple states alleging crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse of minors.

While the civil cases are serious, the cases don’t present the potential consequence of jail time for Combs. In a civil case, the punishment is tied to financial compensation. On the other hand, in criminal cases, the defendant may face jail time, probation, and fines.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case?

What’s Next For Combs?

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the federal criminal charges against him and has been held in prison since his arraignment.

His lawyers have been trying to get Combs out on bail, but the judge in the case rejected a $50 million bail package that included a mandate for home detention and electronic monitoring. Two judges concluded that Combs would be a danger if released, per PBS News. Combs’ attorneys are continuing to fight to get him released while he awaits trial.

A trial date for the case has been set to begin on May 5, 2025.

Combs could attempt to settle the case out of court before the trial, or he could fight his case in front of a jury who will decide his fate.

If found guilty, Combs faces serious consequences. The maximum punishment for the charges include:

• Racketeering Conspiracy: Up to twenty years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000
• Sex Trafficking: From twenty years to life in federal prison
• Transportation to Engage in Prostitution: Up to fifteen years in federal prison

Combs has maintained his innocence on all charges.

Talk to a Trusted Attorney

Do you have a civil or criminal case to discuss? Talk to an experienced attorney about the details of your situation. Schedule a free consultation with attorney TJ Grimaldi. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

For the second time in roughly two months, a man has seemingly made an assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump. The man didn’t fire any shots at Trump, so what charges does he face, and how serious are his crimes?

A Scary Day on the Golf Course

On September 15, 2024, former President and 2024 presidential candidate Donald J. Trump went out for a round of golf at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he also lives.

The round of golf was not unusual as Trump frequently uses the course. The typical protocol for his golf outings includes shutting down part of the course and using U.S. Secret Service agents to search and secure the holes ahead of him, according to Associated Press.

On that day, as agents were a few holes ahead of Trump, they noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle sticking through shrubbery along the side of the course. The identified gun was about 400 to 500 yards from Trump.

An agent fired four to six shots at the area where the gun was visible. The bullets did not hit the gunman, and he fled the scene. When agents approached the scene, they found the gun, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera.

No shots were fired by the gunman, and he was later apprehended by law enforcement officials in a neighboring Florida county. The man was identified at 58-year-old Ryan Routh.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

What Charges Does the Gunman Currently Face?

The incident comes after an assassination attempt on Trump that took place in July where the shooter fired shots, one that struck Trump. In that case, the shooter fired bullets that injured Trump and bystanders and killed a man attending the rally. The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service.

In the more recent case, the gunman never fired shots, but he will still face serious criminal charges.

When Routh was arrested, he was immediately charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The two firearm charges carry a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, per reporting by USA Today.

Routh is currently being held on the two initial charges, which don’t require a grand jury to approve the indictment. On September 23, Routh was ordered to remain in jail without bond pending trial on the charges.

Investigators will take time to build out additional charges because they will need to convince a grand jury to move forward with an indictment. It’s common for authorities to initially charge an individual with lesser crimes to detain them and keep them in jail while they build out a case that includes more serious charges.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

What Additional Charges Could the Gunman Face?

Routh could potentially face additional federal and state charges.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the state of Florida is conducting its own investigation and could charge Routh with attempted murder, per NPR reporting. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has said the FBI is investigating, and the evidence would likely lead to additional charges of an assassination attempt, per CNN reporting. The federal crime carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Both cases would need to have evidence to prove Routh was attempting to kill Trump. Because  Routh didn’t have a sight line on Trump and didn’t fire any shots, they will need to find additional proof that Routh was at the golf course with the intention to kill Trump.

Investigators will likely look into Routh’s history of political activism, travel to other countries, and content posted on social media to build their case. His statements could be used to show his mindset and intention.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe said there is also written evidence that Routh planned to “stalk” Trump during a roughly month-long period in south Florida “in an apparent attempt to assassinate him.” Prosecutors also said they have a letter written by Routh that referenced an “assassination attempt.”

It is likely that Routh will be indicted on the additional federal charges once it is presented to a grand jury.

Related: What Legal Cases Could Arise from the Attempted Assisination of Donald J. Trump?

Do You Have a Case to Review?

Legal cases can be complicated. Whether a case is civil or criminal, each has many factors that could substantially impact the outcome of the case. If you are involved in a legal case, make sure you thoroughly review all sides of your situation.

To talk to an experienced attorney about the details of your case, schedule a free consultation with TJ Grimaldi today. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.